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 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 book, Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions, is available in hardcover from Lyons Press and an audiobook from Recorded Books! Get your copy today wherever books are sold. And remember...it makes a great gift!
Christmas Past
Backstory: The Magi
The three kings. The wise men. The magi. They're the supporting cast in many a Nativity scene...the subject of several postage stamps and greeting cards...the subject of that classic Christmas song. Who were they? Where were they from? Why did they traverse afar following yonder star? What was with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Were they even real? And does it matter? Today, professor and author Eric Vanden Eykel joins Brian to tell the story of these mysterious figures.
Check out Eric Vanden Eykel's book, The Magi.
Music in this episode
- "Beyond the Cranberry House" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- “Drifting Spot” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- "We Three Kings of Orient Are" — United States Air Force Band, via Wikimedia Commons
- "Early Morning Snowfall" — Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas
- "Nostalgic" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay
Connect
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- Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com
- Website
Book
Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Available in hardcover and audiobook. Find it wherever books are sold, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.