Christmas Past Brian Earl
-
- Society & Culture
-
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! Christmas Past is one of the longest running Christmas podcasts, soon entering its ninth season. Vanity Fair says: "With excellent production, engaging narration, and short, digestible running times, Christmas Past is perfect to put on while decorating your tree or preparing Christmas dinner."Brian's new book is out now from Lyons Press and Recorded books! Get your copy today, wherever books are sold. And remember...it makes a great gift!
-
Christmas 2023
It's our eighth consecutive Christmas together. As we close out the 2023 season, we're taking a look back at the news and trends that made this Christmas what it was.
Thank you all for another wonderful Christmas season together.
Merry Christmas! And until we meet again, may your days be merry and bright.
Music in this Episode "Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech -
Backstory — Boxing Day
Here in America, the day after Christmas is simply that: the day after. The party's over. But in England, it's an official holiday. December 26 — Boxing Day — is the Christmas afterparty you've been missing out on. What's the story? And what does it have to do with boxing? Paul Kerensa joins Christmas Past to...unpack the box.
Mentioned in this Episode Paul Kerensa Hark! The Biography of Christmas, by Paul Kerensa Music in this Episode "Good King Wenceslas" — U.S. Army Band, via Wikimedia Commons "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" — DJ Williams, via Youtube Audio Library "In the Bleak Midwinter" — Julius H., via Pixabay "Emotional Piano Improvisation" — Alexander Nakarada, via Film Music "Holiday Gift" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive Section from A Christmas Carol read by Peter John Keeble, courtesy of Librivox -
Your Christmas Memories: 2023, vol 2
Christmas Day is less than a week from now. In this final stretch of the 2023 season, let's have another gathering of the Christmas Past family. Yes, it’s time once again for an episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories. Cozy up by the fire with us for a little Christmas reminiscing.
Music in this Episode "A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech -
Backstory — A Meatless Christmas Eve Meal
For many families, the Christmas Eve feast is a so-called "meatless meal." It's a tradition of European Christian roots that has gone on to take many forms.
Mentioned in this episode Plating Grace
Music in this Episode "Italian Trip" — wildsound159, via Pixabay "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist "First Snow" — Scott Buckley, via ScottBuckley.com.au "Silent Night" — DJ Williams, via Youtube Audio Library "Mortality" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive -
A Visit to Old Fezziwig's Christmas Eve Ball
Old Fezziwig sure knew how to throw an office Christmas party. Dickens's description of Christmas Eve in Fezziwig's counting house included vigorous fiddling and elaborate dancing. That style of dance may belong to a bygone time, but it lives on in the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair. In this special episode, Cathleen Myers joins Christmas Past to explain how Victorians danced their way to Christmas.
Mentioned in this Episode The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Period Events and Entertainments Re-Creation Society (Peers) Music in this Episode "Toe Tapper" — Primal House Music, via Pixabay "Ambient Grand Piano for Meditation or Background" — Julius H., via Pixabay -
Backstory — Christmas Postage Stamps
In the late nineteenth century modern postal systems were still coming into their own. Around the turn of the century, many countries, including England, began issuing Christmas themed postage stamps. You might think that America would have been among them, but boy would you be wrong.
In fact, America was one of the last countries to get on board. American Christmas stamps are only a few decades old. And the story there has to do with simple economics and America’s system of government.
Mentioned in this Episode Christmas Philatelic Club
Music in this Episode "Christmas Jazz" — Denys Kyshchuk, via Pixabay "Running Waters" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library "Noel" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library "Acoustic Guitar 1" — Audionautix, via Youtube Audio Library "Dreamland" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library "Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
Customer Reviews
Beautiful. A tribute to the human spirit and traditions.
Lovely. Just lovely. This podcast is warm, evocative and informative. The host and his guests are all incredibly sweet and interesting to listen to. A wonderful chance to pay homage to the old traditions. I definitely think everyone should listen to this. Really short episodes too so it’s great for little kids or short trips as well.
An essential part of any Christmas road trip.
I have been listening to Christmas Past for a couple of years now and it has now become a traditional part of our Christmas road trip playlist. Brian has expanded the show over the years, but it is truly its best when focusing on the historical stories around the holidays. If you’re a sentimental fool for Christmas (guilty), this podcast should be part of your library moving forward.
Like chicken soup for the soul! 🎄
This podcast is my go-to as soon as the ‘ber season hits each year. Brian has such a soothing voice and the most nostalgic enthusiasm for all things Christmas. I love learning about others’ traditions so having regular episodes that let listeners know why we do the things we do, is fascinating! I’ve been a listener for years and love submitting my memories (it’s always weird to hear my voice pop up at the end 😆) Brian, please know how ‘merry and bright’ you make our days with your wonderful content! Also, your book is incredible! 🐝