Christmas Past

Brian Earl

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 hardcov

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Episodes

253 episodes

  1. [Regifting] The Nutcracker 10:51
  2. [Regifting] Letters to Santa 12:55
  3. [Regifting] Gift Wrap 11:17
  4. Christmas 2025 11:07
  5. The Silent Night 13:29
  6. All of you on the Good Earth 13:03
  7. The Hero of Dear Old Halifax 12:37
  8. The Weeping Waters 14:09
  9. When the Current Was Turned 11:45
  10. Homecoming 11:18
  11. The Builder of Tomorrows 12:26
  12. The Birthday Gift 12:12
  13. Story Time: Lucky's Grove 50:40
  14. Backstory: Wren Day 12:00
  15. Backstory: The Yule Lads 12:15
  16. Backstory: Ded Moroz 13:10
  17. Your Christmas Memories 2024 16:24
  18. Backstory: Ivy 10:47
  19. Backstory: Gremlins 12:09
  20. Backstory: The Magi 13:43
  21. Backstory: Toys for Tots 10:54
  22. Backstory: Christmas Creep 11:28
  23. Storytime: "Podolo" 28:00
  24. Christmas 2023 9:17
  25. Backstory: Boxing Day 12:07