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: Elves
The earliest myths involving elves portrayed them as mischievous or even malicious creatures that posed dangers to humans and animals. So, how do we get from there to jolly little Christmas elves? It’s a story that takes us from ancient Ancient Europe to the current day — one that involves mythology, modern American influence, the power of poetry and literature, possibly the rise of industrialization, and definitely...sticking it to the Nazis.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Christmas in the Crosshairs, by Gerry Bowler
- Santa Claus: A Biography, by Gerry Bowler
- The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, by Gerry Bowler
Music in this Episode
- "Ivory Pillow" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- "Ambient Piano" — BlackPy Beats, via Pixabay
- "Road in the Forest" — Olexy, via Pixabay
- "Christmas Music Box" — Oleg Kirilkov, via Pixabay
- "Gentle Soft Piano | Christmas Vibes" — Alex Productions, via Free Music Archive
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.