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, now in its tenth 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 is the author of two books about Christmas: Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025) and Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022). Both are available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook (narrated by the author). Find them wherever books are sold.
Christmas Past
Backstory: Shortbread
For a bread that’s short, its history is long. Exactly how long, and the particulars of how it all came about, though, are unclear. But one this is clear: shortbread is an essential — and delicious — part of the festive season.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Tasting History Youtube Channel
- Tasting History, book by Max Miller
Music in this Episode
- "Hush Ye, My Bairnie" — Trygve Larsen, Pixabay
- "Drops of Melting Snow (after Holst, Abroad as I was walking)" — Axletree, via Free Music Archive
- "Soft Piano" — Agnese Valmaggia, via Film Music
- "Auld Lang Syne" — Trygve Larsen, Pixabay
- "Angels We Have Heard on High" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
Connect with Me
- Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
- Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com
Books
Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.
Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)