Christmas Past
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 Past
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
Brian is getting ready to return for the 2024 Christmas season with an all new series of episodes. Join Christmas Past on Halloween for our traditional ghost story to kick off the preseason.