Christmas Past
Christmas 2022
Join Christmas Past one last time in the 2022 season. It’s our annual look back at the sights, sounds, news,… read more Christmas 2022
Backstory — Pfeffernusse
They’re the spiced cookie with the funny sounding (to American ears) name. Pfeffernusse — or, “pepper nuts” in English —… read more Backstory — Pfeffernusse
Backstory — Christmas Popcorn Tins
Those decorative tins filled with three kinds of popcorn have been a Christmas staple for decades. But…why? In this episode,… read more Backstory — Christmas Popcorn Tins
Backstory — Panettone
It’s fluffy, sweet, and studded with raisins and candied fruit peel. It’s the Italian Christmas cake known as Panettone. Get… read more Backstory — Panettone
Your Christmas Memories, 2022
Cozy up with the Christmas Past family for some reminiscing! It’s one of our favorite annual traditions…where I turn things… read more Your Christmas Memories, 2022
Backstory — Classic American Christmas Music
Most of the classic American Christmas songs come from the 1940s. What was it about that decade that accounts for… read more Backstory — Classic American Christmas Music
Backstory — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Strictly speaking, a Christmas carol is a song that tells the Nativity story. That’s what made Edmund Sears’s song, “It… read more Backstory — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Backstory — Christmas Crackers
They’re the festive party favors containing a paper crown, a trinket, and a joke — and wrapped in a package… read more Backstory — Christmas Crackers
Backstory — Father Christmas
“Father Christmas”…that’s what they call Santa Claus in England, right? Well, sort of, but there’s more to it than that…. read more Backstory — Father Christmas
Backstory — Pantomime
It’s the theater experience that’s as rollicking and raucous as it is festive! And it’s also mostly unknown to American… read more Backstory — Pantomime
Backstory — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Since the early 1930s, Rockefeller Center has been home to an enormous Christmas tree, elaborately decorated and introduced each season… read more Backstory — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Backstory — Aluminum Christmas Trees
They were a symbol of the Space Age and then, quickly, they were a relic of the past. Aluminum Christmas… read more Backstory — Aluminum Christmas Trees
Backstory — Christmas Trees
It’s the universal symbol of the Christmas season: a tree (typically a fir) adorned with ornaments and lights. But…what does… read more Backstory — Christmas Trees
2022 Season Kickoff from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
We’re officially kicking off the 2022 season of Christmas Past with a Thanksgiving family gathering, a return to a beloved… read more 2022 Season Kickoff from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
2022 Indie Christmas Music Playlist
Yes, we return to our traditional favorite songs each year. But there’s nothing like discovering a new favorite! If you… read more 2022 Indie Christmas Music Playlist
Two Truths and a Lie: Four Decades
It’s an annual tradition on Christmas Past: The game of Christmas trivia where you have to spot the lie! Join… read more Two Truths and a Lie: Four Decades
David Andora, Founder of Tru-Tone
Those of a certain age remember those classic C7 incandescent Christmas bulbs and the soft glow they produced. Sure, LEDs… read more David Andora, Founder of Tru-Tone
Emily Zarka, host of PBS’s Monstrum
Happy Halloween, sugarplums! What better way to get into the spooky Christmas spirit than discussing Christmas monsters? Better yet, I’m… read more Emily Zarka, host of PBS’s Monstrum