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Christmas Past

Christmas Past

Written by: Brian Earl
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Christmas Past Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Christmas 2025

    Christmas 2025
    Dec 25 2025

    Merry Christmas! The festive season reaches its peak today. And for the tenth year in a row, I'm here on Christmas Day to take a look back. We'll reflect on the news and trends, the sights and sounds that made Christmas of 2025 what it was.

    Plus, a little report from Christmas Past headquarters, and a guest appearance from little Dashiell!

    Wishing all of your a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll see you all again in 2026!

    Music in this Episode

    "Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

    Order your copy today! Of Christmases Long, Long Ago

    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)

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 4

    Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 4
    Dec 23 2025

    This episode arrives on Christmas Eve Eve. It's our final family gathering of the season, where members of the Christmas Past family share some of their favorite Christmas memories.

    Music in This Episode

    • "Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
    • "Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay


    Order your copy today! Of Christmases Long, Long Ago

    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)

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • The Secret Santa of Kansas City

    The Secret Santa of Kansas City
    Dec 22 2025

    A mysterious philanthropist spent more than 25 years handing out cash anonymously around Kansas City at Christmastime.

    Music in this Episode

    • "I Knew A Guy" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
    • "Elegy for Manush" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
    • "The Agency Man" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
    • "Velvet Ladder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
    • "Soft Piano Music" — Clavier Music, via Pixabay
    • "A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
    • "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" — Unnamed Artist, via Pixabay


    Order your copy today! Of Christmases Long, Long Ago

    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)

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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