Christmas Past

About this podcast

Behind every Christmas tradition is a story, often a forgotten one. Every year as we put up a tree and pour the eggnog, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being mostly unaware of their starting chapters.

Join Brian Earl to explore the fascinating stories behind the most wonderful time of the year. It’s equal parts nerdy deep dive and warmhearted celebration. Think: NPR meets Clement Clarke Moore!
Visit the Christmas Past website

  • Christmas 2022
    by e_xander on December 25, 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
    by e_xander on December 23, 2022

    They’re the spiced cookie with the funny sounding (to American ears) name. Pfeffernusse — or, “pepper nuts” in English —... read more Backstory — […]

  • Backstory — Christmas Popcorn Tins
    by e_xander on December 21, 2022

    Those decorative tins filled with three kinds of popcorn have been a Christmas staple for decades. But…why? In this episode,... read more Backstory — […]

  • Backstory — Panettone
    by e_xander on December 19, 2022

    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 — […]

  • Your Christmas Memories, 2022
    by e_xander on December 16, 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 […]

  • Backstory — Classic American Christmas Music
    by e_xander on December 14, 2022

    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 […]

  • Backstory — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
    by e_xander on December 12, 2022

    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 […]

  • Backstory — Christmas Crackers
    by e_xander on December 9, 2022

    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
    by e_xander on December 7, 2022

    “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 — […]

  • Backstory — Pantomime
    by e_xander on December 5, 2022

    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 — […]

Find this content useful? Share it with your friends!