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."
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Christmas Past
Backstory: Christmas Seals
By the turn of the 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in America by far. In 1907, when a tuberculosis treatment clinic was in financial straits, Emily Bissell created Christmas Seals as a fundraiser. It was as novel as it was effective. More than a century later, Christmas Seals are still one of the prominent sights of the season.
Mentioned in this Episode
Music in this Episode
- "Autumn Leaves" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive
- "Piano Reflection 2" — Agnese Valmaggia, via Film Music
- "Angels We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
- "Reawakening" — Scott Buckley, Scottbuckley.com
- "Ding Dong Merrily on High" — Leigh Robinson, via Pixabay