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Christmas Past

History Podcasts

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 seventh 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!

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Location:

United States

Description:

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 seventh 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!

Language:

English

Contact:

617 759-6479

Episodes

Christmas 2022

12/25/2022
Join Christmas Past one last time in the 2022 season. It's our annual look back at the sights, sounds, news, and trends that made Christmas of 2022 what it was. Merry Christmas to all, and many thanks for being part of the 2022 season of Christmas Past. Music in This Episode This ChristmasDeck the Halls ASilent NightIt Came Upon the Midnight Clear Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift! Amazon Barnes &...

Duration:00:09:27

Backstory — Pfeffernusse

12/23/2022
They're the spiced cookie with the funny sounding (to American ears) name. Pfeffernusse — or, "pepper nuts" in English — contain neither pepper nor nuts. And for centuries, the original recipe has been a closely guarded secret. Baker and podcaster Glen Warren joins me in this episode. Mentioned in This Episode Seasons Eatings Podcast Music in This Episode The Poplar GroveMidvinterFelix Mendelssohn: Songs Without WordsThe First Noel - Silent NightPiano MomentJingle Bells Buy the Christmas...

Duration:00:10:33

Backstory — Christmas Popcorn Tins

12/21/2022
Those decorative tins filled with three kinds of popcorn have been a Christmas staple for decades. But...why? In this episode, we find out — by asking the guy responsible for the whole thing! Music in This Episode Blue LatexHark the Herald Angels SingSticktopJulTiled ChamberJingle Bells Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift! Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Share a Christmas memory Be on the podcast! Just record a...

Duration:00:11:35

Backstory — Panettone

12/19/2022
It's fluffy, sweet, and studded with raisins and candied fruit peel. It's the Italian Christmas cake known as Panettone. Get ready to talk with your hands, along with me and Max Miller of Tasting History as we dig in. Mentioned in This Episode Tasting History Music in This Episode Bushwick TarantellaSaloon Piano - Ragtime Retro Vintage Jazz Comedy MusicWe Three KingsPianoCelloPop VibrationGood King WenceslasJingle Bells Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And...

Duration:00:10:56

Your Christmas Memories, 2022

12/16/2022
Cozy up with the Christmas Past family for some reminiscing! It's one of our favorite annual traditions...where I turn things over to you and let you guide my sleigh tonight on a trip down memory lane! Music in this episode Instrument 12092021This Christmas Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift! Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Share a Christmas memory Be on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone and...

Duration:00:21:43

Backstory — Classic American Christmas Music

12/14/2022
Most of the classic American Christmas songs come from the 1940s. What was it about that decade that accounts for an explosion of Christmas music that's stood the test of time? What is it about those songs that sounds so Christmassy? And why are Christmas classics so few and far between in recent generations? Join me and Berklee College of Music professor Chris North to dive in! Music in This Episode Sleigh RideHome for the HolidaysChristmas Jazz171221 - jazz style piano / day / happy /...

Duration:00:15:01

Backstory — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

12/12/2022
Strictly speaking, a Christmas carol is a song that tells the Nativity story. That's what made Edmund Sears's song, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" so unusual when he wrote it. It didn't tell the story of Jesus's birth; it told the story of how people reacted to the news. This "humanist carol" arrived at a time when music itself was in the midst of some major changes. Music in This Episode Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9 no. 2It Came Upon a Midnight ClearLullaby for a KingEndless by...

Duration:00:12:23

Backstory — Christmas Crackers

12/9/2022
They're the festive party favors containing a paper crown, a trinket, and a joke — and wrapped in a package that goes "bang" when you open it! Christmas Crackers are an invention of the Victorian age. And more specifically, one confectioner named Tom Smith. Smith single handedly created a tradition that has endured for generations. Mentioned in This Episode Peter Kimpton's WebsiteTom Smith's Christmas Crackers Music in This Episode The Kishner MethodForgetGod Rest You Merry Gentlemen...

Duration:00:12:47

Backstory — Father Christmas

12/7/2022
"Father Christmas"...that's what they call Santa Claus in England, right? Well, sort of, but there's more to it than that. Join me and guest professor Gerry Bowler to look into the origins of this often misunderstood Christmas character. Music in This Episode A Peaceful WinterSentimental Light Hopeful Tender PianoClassical Piano And CelloRomanescaI Saw Three ShipsModern Christmas Full no Santa Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great...

Duration:00:14:26

Backstory — Pantomime

12/5/2022
It's the theater experience that's as rollicking and raucous as it is festive! And it's also mostly unknown to American audiences. Join Brian in this episode to hear all about the British tradition of Pantomime. Mentioned in This Episode http://www.evolution-productions.co.uk/https://www.vam.ac.uk/ Music in This Episode "Vaquero Perdido" — The Mini Vandals, via Youtube Audio Library"Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech"Dona Norem" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free...

Duration:00:16:19

Backstory — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

12/2/2022
Since the early 1930s, Rockefeller Center has been home to an enormous Christmas tree, elaborately decorated and introduced each season with great fanfare and spectacle. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become America's Christmas tree. Christine Roussel, the official Archivist of Rockefeller Center, joins Brian to tell the tale of this iconic institution. Music in This Episode The BrokerAngels We Have Heard on High - Hark The Herald Angels SingGlowA Jazz PianoOwl's ChristmasJingle...

Duration:00:13:30

Backstory — Aluminum Christmas Trees

11/30/2022
They were a symbol of the Space Age and then, quickly, they were a relic of the past. Aluminum Christmas trees burst onto the Christmas scene in the late 1950s and reached peak popularity during the 60s. And then...they were gone. But a new generation is discovering the kitschy, retro charm of this uniquely American invention. Mentioned in This Episode The Evergleam Book, by Theron Georges Theron Georges's Aluminum Christmas Tree displays Music in This Episode DunderAcoustic MotivationO...

Duration:00:13:02

Backstory — Christmas Trees

11/28/2022
It's the universal symbol of the Christmas season: a tree (typically a fir) adorned with ornaments and lights. But...what does any of that have to do with Christmas? The Christmas tree has a long history. But only fairly recently has it become especially common in homes at Christmas time. Music in this episode Eternal HopeO Christmas Tree - Ernst Anshutz Christmas Piano MusicMarchAmbient PianoGreensleevesChristmas Atmosphere Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And...

Duration:00:17:10

2022 Season Kickoff from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

11/24/2022
We're officially kicking off the 2022 season of Christmas Past with a Thanksgiving family gathering, a return to a beloved Bay Area tradition, and a visit to the Cratchit family in London. Cozy up by the fire and welcome the festive season with the entire Christmas Past family. Many thanks to Denise Lamott, Therese Porter, Kevin Patterson, and everyone at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair for making this episode possible. Music in this episode "The Winter Fall by PrabajithK" — Mild...

Duration:00:20:11

2022 Indie Christmas Music Playlist

11/21/2022
Yes, we return to our traditional favorite songs each year. But there's nothing like discovering a new favorite! If you believe that too, then you're in for a treat! Here are seven Christmas songs from independent musicians to make your days a little merrier and brighter sounding. Music in this Episode Lunar SpiritThe SweaterettesAmanda FaganThe Predicates Amanda OpeltSounds and Scapes Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great...

Duration:00:35:14

Two Truths and a Lie: Four Decades

11/14/2022
It's an annual tradition on Christmas Past: The game of Christmas trivia where you have to spot the lie! Join Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter and I as we quiz listeners Ashley and Laura about Christmas in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Play along and put your Christmas spirit and lie detection skills to the test! Music in This Episode This ChristmasTurning Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And remember...it makes a great gift! Amazon Barnes & Noble...

Duration:00:50:38

Interview — Tru-Tone Founder, David Andora

11/7/2022
Those of a certain age remember those classic C7 incandescent Christmas bulbs and the soft glow they produced. Sure, LEDs are longer lasting and more energy efficient, but they're just not the same. Michigan artist David Andora is the founder of Tru-Tone, a maker of LED lights that are indistinguishable from the real thing. I recently spoke with David about the company's unlikely origins, its recent viral success, and a certain music star who was blamed for cleaning out their...

Duration:00:18:13

Interview — Tru-Tone Founder, David Andora

11/7/2022
Those of a certain age remember those classic C7 incandescent Christmas bulbs and the soft glow they produced. Sure, LEDs are longer lasting and more energy efficient, but they're just not the same. Michigan artist David Andora is the founder of Tru-Tone, a maker of LED lights that are indistinguishable from the real thing. I recently spoke with David about the company's unlikely origins, its recent viral success, and a certain music star who was blamed for cleaning out their...

Duration:00:18:13

Interview — Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum

10/31/2022
Happy Halloween, sugarplums! What better way to get into the spooky Christmas spirit than discussing Christmas monsters? Better yet, I'm doing it with a monster expert! Emily Zarka ("Dr. Z") is a professor of English Literature, and the host of the acclaimed PBS series, Monstrum and Exhumed. Join me (if you daaaaare) for an informative discussion about Krampus and the Yule Cat. Mentioned in This Episode Music in This Episode Creepy Music BoxThis Christmas Buy the Christmas Past...

Duration:00:46:07

Story Time — Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk

10/24/2022
In today's story, our hero finds himself stranded on Christmas Eve, alone in an abandoned ship. But is he really alone? It's "Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk," published by Biblioasis, and illustrated by the acclaimed cartoonist, Seth. Mentioned in This Episode http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/ Music in This Episode "This Christmas" — Hot Music, via Pixabay"ghost" — nojisuma, via Pixabay"Elf Meditation" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Buy the...

Duration:00:50:49

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