These days, the Christmas season is the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Way back when, it was the period beginning on Christmas Day, and included 12 days of merrymaking and mischief. The Twelve Days of Christmas aren't really part of our modern Christmas celebration — except for the song lyrics and the odd reference here and there. What are the twelve days of Christmas? And what happened to them? Are we missing out on anything by forgetting them? Well, if feasting, cross dressing,...
Nov 29, 2023•12 min
The earliest myths involving elves portrayed them as mischievous or even malicious creatures that posed dangers to humans and animals. So, how do we get from there to jolly little Christmas elves? It’s a story that takes us from ancient Ancient Europe to the current day — one that involves mythology, modern American influence, the power of poetry and literature, possibly the rise of industrialization, and definitely ...sticking it to the Nazis. Mentioned in this Episode Christmas in the Crosshai...
Nov 27, 2023•14 min
Decorative nutcrackers — most often resembling a toy soldier, but available in countless other characters — are synonymous with the Christmas season. Why? It’s a story whose origins predate Christmas itself. And whose history involves a mining town, Napoleon, dance theater, and World War two. So...let’s get crackin’! Mentioned in this Episode http://www.nutcrackermuseum.com/ Music in this Episode " Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies " — Kevin MacLeod, via Wikimedia Commons " March from the Nutcracke...
Nov 23, 2023•11 min
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 it wherever books are sold, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble ....
Nov 16, 2023•14 min
Mary E. Wilkins Freeman was a prolific author in the 19th century. Her Christmas stories showed up every year in newspapers and magazines. Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recently published a new collection of Freeman's Christmas stories. Professor Smith joins me today to discuss Freeman, and then Brian narrates "Harriet Anne's Christmas" from the collection. Mentioned in this Episode The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman Music in this Episode " Family Holiday " — Aleksey C...
Nov 09, 2023•37 min
As we ease our way into another Christmas season, we're practicing thta somewhat forgotten tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas time! In 1883, Temple Bar magazine published a story by a writer and physician named Arthur Conan Doyle. Nowadays, we refer to him as sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and we know him best as the creator of that most famous of detectives: Sherlock Holmes. But this 1883 story isn’t about Sherlock. It’s about a ship trapped in arctic ice and the strange things the captai...
Oct 31, 2023•56 min
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 Christmas " — Hot Music, via Pixabay " Deck the Halls A " — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech " Silent Night " — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech " It Came Upon the Midnight Clear " — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Buy the...
Dec 25, 2022•9 min
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 Grove " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Midvinter " — Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au " Felix Mendelssohn: S...
Dec 23, 2022•10 min
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 Latex " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Hark the Herald Angels Sing " — Ahmadmusic, via Pixabay " Sticktop " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Jul " — Scott Buckley, via scottbuckley.com.au " Tiled Chamber " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "...
Dec 21, 2022•11 min
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 Tarantella " — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library " Saloon Piano - Ragtime Retro Vintage Jazz Comedy Music " — FreeGroove, via Pixabay " We Three Kings " — James Edwards, via Magnatune Compilation " Pi...
Dec 19, 2022•11 min
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 12092021 " — orangiromusik, via Pixabay " This Christmas " — Hot Music, via Pixabay 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 p...
Dec 16, 2022•21 min
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 Ride " — Marcus Staab, via Musopen " Home for the Holidays " — Track Tribe, via Youtube...
Dec 14, 2022•15 min
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. 2 " — Aya Higuchi, via Musopen " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear " — ...
Dec 12, 2022•12 min
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 Website Tom Smith's Christmas Crackers — Book by Peter Kimpton Music in This Episode " The Kishner Method " — Blue Dot Sessi...
Dec 09, 2022•12 min
"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 Winter " — Scott Holmes, via Free Music Archive " Sentimental Light Hopeful Tender Piano " — Ashot-Danielyan-Composer, via Pixabay " Classical Piano And Cello " — Ashot-Danielyan-Composer, via Pixabay " Romanesca " — Cheryl Ann...
Dec 07, 2022•14 min
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 Fre...
Dec 05, 2022•16 min
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 Broker " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Angels We Have Heard on High - Hark The Herald Ang...
Dec 02, 2022•13 min
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 " Dunder " — Blue Dot Sessions, vi...
Nov 30, 2022•13 min
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 Hope " — Kevin MacLeod, via Youtube Audio Library " O Christmas Tree - Ernst Anshutz Christmas Piano Music " — Lesfm, via Pixabay " March " — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive " ...
Nov 28, 2022•17 min
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 Relaxation, ...
Nov 24, 2022•20 min
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 "Dreaming 'Bout Christmas" — Frank and Friends "Lonely December" — Lunar Spirit "Ugly Sweater Time" — The Sweaterettes "Christmas Lights Through Car Windows" — Amanda Fagan "Christmas Carols" — Th...
Nov 21, 2022•35 min
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 Christmas " — Hot Music, via Pixabay " Turning " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Buy the Christmas Past Book! Order your copy today. And reme...
Nov 14, 2022•50 min
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 inventory. Mentione...
Nov 08, 2022•18 min
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 Monstrum: https://www.pbs.org/show/monstrum/ Exhumed: https://www.pbs.org/video/exhumed-a-hi...
Oct 31, 2022•22 min
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 ...
Oct 24, 2022•50 min
Time for another ghost story! This one is more sentimental than spooky. It's The Corner Shop, in which a man buys a trinket in a curio shop that turns out to be worth a lot more than he bargained for. It's part of this year's series of ghost stories for Christmas from my friends at Biblioasis. Mentioned in This Episode http://biblioasis.com/product-category/fiction/seths-christmas-ghost-stories/ Music in This Episode Christmas Story — Lesfm, via Pixabay Mystery 70 MIX — Stock Studio, via Pixabay...
Oct 17, 2022•35 min
It's story time once again. Snuggle up, but beware of things that go bump in the night! Today, we're taking a trip of the imagination to a cemetery in France. The dead there are resting peacefully, until a new railway wakes them up! An old priest tries to help them return to rest while he helps the soul of a recently dead countess to find peace. It's Gertrude Atherton's "The Dead and the Countess." This story is part of Biblioasis's 2022 set of Ghost Stories for Christmas, designed and decorated...
Oct 10, 2022•33 min
Christmas Past is back with the first episode of 2022. We're kicking off the preseason with some good old fashioned story time! This one's for the whole family, so gather round and cozy up...we're heading to the Hollow Tree in for some old fashioned Christmas fun! Buy the Christmas Past Book! The Christmas Past book is available for pre-order today, and releases on November 1. Get it in hardcover, e-book, or audio. And remember...it makes a great gift! Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million I...
Oct 03, 2022•15 min
Merry Christmas, everyone! The big day has arrived. And it's time for our sixth annual Christmas year in review. We'll recall all the sights, sounds, news, and trends that made this Christmas unique. Plus, I'll review my own Christmas season, and talk about what's to come in 2022. Thank you to everyone who took part in the season, by listening, sharing memories, leaving reviews, participating in the Facebook group, and reaching out to say hi. A very Merry Christmas to all of you, and a happy, he...
Dec 25, 2021•11 min
It's Christmas Eve! No matter how you celebrate, or where you celebrate, or who you call family, I hope you’re feeling the Christmas spirit right about now. And I, as well as several members of the Christmas Past family, are here to deliver just a little bit more of it. Be sure to follow the Tree Twins on Instagram! Music in this episode "Stille Nacht" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear " — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech " I'll Stay " — Peder B. Helland, vi...
Dec 24, 2021•21 min
