I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read you a forgotten Christmas short story, "The Christmas Present" from 1922. Announcements If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details. Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above. I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christma...
Oct 04, 2019•15 min
I'm back with another Ber Months Bonus episode! This time, I read you the classic Christmas story, "The Gift of the Magi." Announcements If you leave a review I’ll send you a Christmas card containing a Christmas Past sticker. Write me at christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com for details. Send your Christmas memory for the 2019 season. Record yourself on your phone’s voice recorder app and send it to the email address above. I’m doing a live show this year at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Fra...
Sep 26, 2019•18 min
We're in the Ber Months now, so get ready for some bonus episodes as we ease our way into the 2019 Christmas season! In this episode, author Kyle Bullock shares an extended preview of the audio version of his new Christmas story, Mister Christmas . Take a listen to the first two chapters of Mister Christmas. And then, if you want to hear the rest, Kyle has extended a special offer to Christmas Past listeners. You can have the whole story for $3.00! Just use the promo code GIFT at checkout at www...
Sep 20, 2019•28 min
We're in the Ber Months now, so get ready for some bonus episodes as we ease our way into the 2019 Christmas season! Announcements in this episode I am appearing at Christmas Con on Nov 9! I am appearing at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair on Nov 24! The coming season of Christmas Past includes a special 6-part series...details to come About this bonus episode Joanna Wilson is an author, blogger, and podcaster who studies Christmas entertainment. In this episode, I share part of her five-part se...
Sep 07, 2019•38 min
It's June 25, and that means we're exactly halfway to Christmas! The occasion has come to be known as Leon Day, but nobody's really sure how that all got started. But one thing's for sure: many crafters recognize it as the day to get started on their Christmas crafting. In this episode, I get some insight from Holly, a crafter from Missouri. We also hear from Mary in Ireland, who shares some of her memories about celebrating "halfway to Christmas." Also, just like last year , this summer episode...
Jun 25, 2019•12 min
In a few short days, Christmas of 2018 will belong to Christmas Past. So in this final episode of the 2018 Christmas season, Brian looks back at some of the news and trends that defined this year's Christmas. There's also a little year-end wrap up for the show and the world of Christmas podcasts in general. Thank you all for being part of the 2018 season of Christmas Past! Everyone who listened, told a friend, shared a memory, participated in the Facebook group, and engaged on other social media...
Dec 24, 2018•6 min
It's my favorite episode of the Christmas season: the one dedicated to you sharing your favorite Christmas memories and traditions. Thank you to everyone to shared a part of their Christmas with us in this episode! Music in this episode "Night Light" - Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Visit http://christmaspast.media for more Christmas fun! Connect Facebook page Facebook group Instagram Bluesky Twitter / X Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Website Book Christmas Past: The Fascinatin...
Dec 22, 2018•24 min
In this bonus episode, Brian answers questions from the listener mailbag, and we also here a a few Christmas memories. Music in this episode "Relaxing Piano Music" - Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Connect Facebook page Facebook group Instagram Bluesky Twitter / X 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...
Dec 20, 2018•23 min
In 1955, a misplaced phone call unwittingly created an annual Christmas tradition. It's a story shrouded in a bit of mystery, a lot of Christmas spirit, and a sworn duty to ensure Santa’s safe passage through open airspace. Find out why NORAD tracks Santa on Christmas Eve. Music in this episode "Escape"— Chris Holmes, via Free Music Archive "A Little Powder"— Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "Rabbit Hole"— Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "Western Greb"— Chad Crouch, via Free M...
Dec 19, 2018•11 min
Shortly after Thanksgiving, certain cable news and talk radio pundits remind you that it’s that it’s time once again to be outraged. Because sinister forces are working to take Christmas away from you. Is there really a war on Christmas? Listen to this episode and then judge for yourself. Music in this episode "Undercover Vampire Policeman"— Chris Zabriskie, via Free Music Archive "Together we Stand" — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive "Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archiv...
Dec 16, 2018•16 min
Usually on Christmas Past, I share your Christmas memories. But this episode is dedicated to me sharing one of mine. It’s a memory you have too, in some form, because it’s inevitable for everyone who grows up celebrating Christmas and believing in Santa Claus. It should go without saying that this episode is for the grownups only! Music in this episode "Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After l...
Dec 13, 2018•14 min
Twelve days of Christmas? What's up with that? And who ever thought turtle doves and partridges make good Christmas gifts? (Come to think of it, just what the heck is a turtle dove?) We'll get to the bottom of it all with the help of language professor Mark Sundaram. Music in this episode "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" — Doug Hammer, via Feels Like Christmas "Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Twelve Days of Christmas" — Inner Splendor, via Feels Like Christmas "Gentle Marimbas" —...
Dec 10, 2018•11 min
Welcome to Tinsel Town is a new Christmas adventure podcast that arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Join me as I talk to Jenna Knorr and Adam Ganong to discuss the making of a new audio drama. And then check out their show wherever you get podcasts, or https://trianglecontent.com/podcasts/welcometotinseltown/ Music in this Episode "Night Light" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After leaving your review, get in...
Dec 08, 2018•19 min
Few things are more Christmassy than the flickering glow of a log on the fire. Even when that fire is experienced on a TV or device screen, it still conjures up a cozy and festive atmosphere. A New York city TV station introduced the televised Yule Log in 1966. What began as a quirky experiment would eventually take on a life of its own! Music in this Episode "Let There be Joy" — Cathy Oakes, via Feels Like Christmas "Early Morning Snowfall" — Chuck Brown, via Feels Like Christmas "Wish Backgrou...
Dec 07, 2018•10 min
Miracle on 34th Street doesn't fit today's standards for what makes a movie Christmassy. It involved a cynical child and a Santa Claus who gets locked up in a mental health institution before undergoing a public psych hearing. Not only that, but the movie was released in June of 1947. And yet, it has gone on to become not only a beloved movie, but also a cherished tradition. How did that happen? We'll find out with the help of film critic Alonso Duralde. Music in this episode “Losing Love” — Dex...
Dec 04, 2018•12 min
It's the Christmas cake we love to hate. But why? How did a cake steeped in history and tradition, tied closely to the Christmas celebration (and often soaked in booze, no less) go on to become so widely mocked? Music in this Episode: Night Day: Dan Yan Key Blue Highway: Poddington Bear Dowl: Poddington Bear Wish Background: Kevin MacLeod Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After leaving your review, get in touch through the contact page at http://ch...
Dec 01, 2018•13 min
Christmas wouldn't be the same without the influence of Charles Dickens and his most famous work: A Christmas Carol. Some have even gone as far as saying he basically "invented" Christmas as we know it today. So...did he? In this episode, I get answers from the man himself! Music in this Episode: Traditional tune played by band at Dickens Fair Snowfall: Shady Dave Wish Background: Kevin MacCleod Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After leaving your ...
Nov 28, 2018•12 min
Have you ever wondered why we say "merry Christmas" and not "happy Christmas"? And why the word "merry" seems to exist nowadays only to be used for spreading holiday cheer? We'll get it sorted out with the help of linguist Arika Okrent. Music in this Episode: Gaena: Blue Dot Sessions March: Kai Engel Delicant: Podington Bear Suppose it Is: Podington Bear Wish Background: Kevin MacCleod Rate Christmas Past on Apple Podcasts, and I'll send you a sticker to say thanks. After leaving your review, ge...
Nov 25, 2018•12 min
We're kicking off the 2018 season with a Thanksgiving family gathering of Christmas podcasters. Join members of the Christmas Podcast Network as we share our thoughts about one of our favorite topics: Christmas music! Thanks to these great podcasts for lending their voices: Tinsel Tunes Can't Wait for Christmas Christmas Creeps Weird Christmas Tis the Podcast Advent Calendar House And a shout out to the rest of the Christmas Podcast Network shows: Deck the Hallmark Hallmark and Jess It's a 90s C...
Nov 22, 2018•35 min
It's the basis for summer sales, Hallmark movie marathons, and memes and hashtags strewn across social media. But what exactly is Christmas in July? And where did it come from? Music from this episode "Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "Tessalit" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "Heliotrope" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Be sure to follow Christmas Past on social media. I'm posting fun extra Christmassy content on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . I...
Jul 15, 2018•13 min
The this final episode of the season, we take a look back at Christmas of 2017 and do a year-end wrap up for the show. Music from this episode “ Deck the Halls A ” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Be sure to follow Christmas Past on social media. I'm posting fun extra Christmassy content on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . I also sometimes post things to Pinterest . You can send me messages in any of those places, or you can write me at christmaspastpodcast AT gmail DOT COM. I reply to every...
Dec 24, 2017•6 min
By popular request, this episode is dedicated solely to your Christmas memories! Thank you to this episode's contributors Claudia, in Italy Ana and Hector, in Mexico Jake, in Australia Anne, in California Jessie, in Pennsylvania Julie, in New York Rose Marie, in Chicago Keith, in New York Andrea, in Washington (host of the baking podcast, Preheated) Gabe, in Michigan (host of the gaming podcast, Inter Party Conflict) Music from this episode “ Relaxing Piano Music ” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompete...
Dec 22, 2017•23 min
In 1983, moviegoers were introduced to little Ralphie Parker. And even though A Christmas Story looms large today with 24-hour marathons, sequels, and merchandise, but it was a slow climb to the top. Fun Links A Christmas Story House : Web site for the house / museum from the movie Triple Dog Dare : Book by Joanna Wilson (who appears in episode 16 this season), recounting her experience watching the entire 24-hour movie marathon Criminally Intrigued : Web site by Anthony, who shares a Christmas ...
Dec 20, 2017•11 min
We've drunk some form of eggnog since medieval times. But it didn't become a Christmas beverage until it reached America. Fun Links Tis the Podcast : Check out the gang from Tis the Podcast. They share their favorite Christmas movie memories in this episode Jeffrey Morganthaler : Author and craft bartender Jeffrey Morganthaler shares his signature eggnog recipes The Bar Book : Jeffrey's definitive guide to the elements of cocktail technique Music from this episode “ Night Light ” — Blue Dot Sess...
Dec 18, 2017•11 min
La buche du Noel is a festively eye-catching dessert from France. And it wouldn't have been possible if not for a nineteenth century urbanization trend and the widespread availability of cheap sugar. Fun Links Maggie's Creations Patisserie : Maggie Ragaisis's Facebook page, with more lovely baked goods Pretend Radio : Web site for the podcast from Javier, who shares a memory in this episode Music from this episode “ Sad French Accordion ” — Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive “ Paris Ballade ” —D...
Dec 14, 2017•11 min
Unlike other Christmas traditions that Americans import from abroad, The Nutcracker didn't become a Christmas tradition until it reached America. And as far as Christmas traditions go, it's one of the newer ones we have. Fun Links Nutcracker Nation : Book by Jennifer Fisher, the expert guest from this episode Super Co-op Squad : Video game podcast hosted by Johnny Mac, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode Music from this episode “The Nutcracker Suite” — Gene Gajewski, via SoundCloud “Da...
Dec 11, 2017•11 min
Holly is inseparable from Christmas. But its use in wintertime celebrations goes back even farther than Christmas itself. Fun Links The Story Behind : Podcast by Emily Prokop, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode Holly Society of America Music from this episode “ Snowing ” — Peter Rudenko, via Free Music Archive “ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ” — 12 Tracks of Christmas, via SoundCloud “ The Holly and the Ivy ” — Richard M S Irwin, via Hymns Without Words " Saltines " — Podingt...
Dec 07, 2017•9 min
In 1962, the first Christmas cartoon created for television debuted. And even decades later, nothing can compete with the classic cartoons from that era. Fun Links Weird Christmas : We heard from Craig Kringle and his podcast, Weird Christmas Tis the Season TV : Book by Joanna Wilson, the expert guest in this episode Christmas TV History : Joanna Wilson's Web site Fat Packs Podcast : The podcast from Eric Norton, who shares a memory in this episode Music from this episode “ Wingspan ” — Blue Dot...
Dec 04, 2017•12 min
In a first-of-its-kind crossover collaboration, seven Christmas podcasters are coming together to read you the classic Christmas story, The House of the Seven Santas , by John Kendrick Bangs. Each podcast will present a few minutes of the story. You'll hear seven different Christmas podcasts in all to hear the story in its entirety. Here's the full list: Part 1: Christmas Past (you are here!) Part 2: Can't Wait for Christmas Part 3: Tis the Podcast Part 4: Christmas Creeps Part 5: Weird Christma...
Dec 01, 2017•8 min
The first Christmas lights appeared in 1882, and would forever change the scenery at Christmas time. Fun Links Can't Wait for Christmas : The podcast hosted by Tim Babb, who shared a memory in this episode Christmas Ornaments, Lights and Decorations : Book by George Johnson, the expert guest in this episode Music from this episode “ Relinquish ” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive “ Swing Lo ” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive “ Christmas Piano Theme ” — PianoMusic, via SoundCloud " ...
Nov 30, 2017•11 min
