Christmas Past

Christmas 2023

It's our eighth consecutive Christmas together. As we close out the 2023 season, we're taking a look back at the news and trends that made this Christmas what it was. Thank you all for another wonderful Christmas season together. Merry Christmas! And until we meet again, may your days be merry and bright. Music in this Episode "Deck the Halls A" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Backstory — Boxing Day

Here in America, the day after Christmas is simply that: the day after. The party's over. But in England, it's an official holiday. December 26 — Boxing Day — is the Christmas afterparty you've been missing out on. What's the story? And what does it have to do with boxing? Paul Kerensa joins Christmas Past to...unpack the box.   Mentioned in this Episode Paul Kerensa Hark! The Biography of Christmas, by Paul Kerensa Music in this Episode "Good King Wenceslas" — U.S. Army Band, via Wik...

Your Christmas Memories: 2023, vol 2

Christmas Day is less than a week from now. In this final stretch of the 2023 season, let's have another gathering of the Christmas Past family. Yes, it’s time once again for an episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories. Cozy up by the fire with us for a little Christmas reminiscing.  Music in this Episode "A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Backstory — A Meatless Christmas Eve Meal

For many families, the Christmas Eve feast is a so-called "meatless meal." It's a tradition of European Christian roots that has gone on to take many forms. Mentioned in this episode Plating Grace Music in this Episode "Italian Trip" — wildsound159, via Pixabay "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist "First Snow" — Scott Buckley, via ScottBuckley.com.au "Silent Night" — DJ Williams, via Youtube Audio Library "Mortality" — Podington Bear, via F...

A Visit to Old Fezziwig's Christmas Eve Ball

Old Fezziwig sure knew how to throw an office Christmas party. Dickens's description of Christmas Eve in Fezziwig's counting house included vigorous fiddling and elaborate dancing. That style of dance may belong to a bygone time, but it lives on in the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair. In this special episode, Cathleen Myers joins Christmas Past to explain how Victorians danced their way to Christmas. Mentioned in this Episode The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Period Events and Entert...

Backstory — Christmas Postage Stamps

In the late nineteenth century modern postal systems were still coming into their own. Around the turn of the century, many countries, including England, began issuing Christmas themed postage stamps. You might think that America would have been among them, but boy would you be wrong.  In fact, America was one of the last countries to get on board. American Christmas stamps are only a few decades old. And the story there has to do with simple economics and America’s system of government. ...

The Brady Bunch: The Voice of Christmas (with Christopher Knight!)

The Brady Bunch is an iconic American sitcom that ran for five seasons. But it produced only one Christmas episode during its original run. "The Voice of Christmas" from season 1 finds Carol with laryngitis days before she's scheduled to sing a solo for her church's Christmas service. The one and only Christopher Knight joins Brian to break this episode down. Mentioned in this Episode The Real Brady Bros Music in this Episode "A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "...

Backstory — Shortbread

For a bread that’s short, its history is long. Exactly how long, and the particulars of how it all came about, though, are unclear. But one this is clear: shortbread is an essential — and delicious — part of the festive season.  Mentioned in this Episode Tasting History Youtube Channel Tasting History, book by Max Miller Music in this Episode "Hush Ye, My Bairnie" — Trygve Larsen, Pixabay "Drops of Melting Snow (after Holst, Abroad as I was walking)" — Axletree, via Free Music Archi...

Your Christmas Memories: 2023, vol 1

One of my favorite parts of creating Christmas Past is sharing your Christmas memories. I love the warm connections I’ve had with so many of you over the years, and the glimpses you provide into your Christmases Past. So, today, I’m excited to take a break from the normal action and bring to you an episode dedicated just to you and your Christmas memories. Music in this Episode Piano Music No. 5 — RelaxingTime, via Pixabay

Backstory — Wishbooks

Colorful, glossy, enticing. For generations of children, the annual department store Christmas catalog was a field guide, a treasure map, and the fuel for hearts desires and letters to Santa. And then, one day, they were gone.   Mentioned in this Episode Wish Book Web Music in this Episode "Jingle Bells Relax Piano" — Oleg Kirilkov, via Pixabay "Merry Christmas Everyone Piano" — 23117649, via Pixabay "Christmas is for Kids" — Juan Sanchez, via Pixabay "Wish Background" — Kevin M...

Backstory — Stollen

Stollen is a Christmas staple in German homes. This cake/bread hybrid is packed with flavor and shaped to resemble a swaddled baby. Food writer Luisa Weiss joins Christmas Past to explain stollen's special connection to German Christmas and German baking culture. Mentioned in this Episode Luisa Weiss Classic German Baking, by Luisa Weiss Music in this Episode "Winter Fairy Dance - Orchestral with Bells and Choir" — Paul Winter, via Pixabay "Wonderful Christmas Time [Classic Version]...

Backstory — The Mari Lwyd

The mostly warm, fuzzy, cozy, sanitized Christmas is mainly a product of 19th and 20th century American influence. In earlier times, Christmas had a spooky side — one example of which is the Welsh tradition of the ghostly gray mare: the Mari Lwyd.  Mentioned in this Episode Jeff Belanger The Fright Before Christmas by Jeff Belanger Music in this Episode "John Barleycorn" — Julius H., via Pixabay "Dread Lake" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive "Mile Marker 323" — Blue Dot ...

Backstory — Christmas Seals

By the turn of the 20th century, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in America by far. In 1907, when a tuberculosis treatment clinic was in financial straits, Emily Bissell created Christmas Seals as a fundraiser. It was as novel as it was effective. More than a century later, Christmas Seals are still one of the prominent sights of the season.  Mentioned in this Episode American Lung Association Music in this Episode "Autumn Leaves" — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Arch...

Backstory — The Twelve Days of Christmas

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 dr...

Backstory — Elves

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 Cr...

Backstory — Nutcrackers

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 th...

Story Time — The Christmas Sing In Our Village

Interview & Story Time — The Christmas Stories of Mary Wilkins Freeman

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" — ...

Story Time — The Captain of the Polestar

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 ca...

Christmas 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 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 ...

Backstory — Pfeffernusse

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 Men...

Backstory — Christmas Popcorn Tins

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 Arch...

Backstory — Panettone

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 Compil...

Your Christmas Memories, 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 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 m...

Backstory — Classic American Christmas Music

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 Y...

Backstory — It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

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 Cl...

Backstory — Christmas Crackers

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...

Backstory — Father Christmas

"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" — Cher...

Backstory — Pantomime

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...

Backstory — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

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 Her...

Backstory — Aluminum Christmas Trees

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...

Backstory — Christmas Trees

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 Arch...

2022 Season Kickoff from the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

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 Rela...

2022 Indie Christmas Music Playlist

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 "Chris...

Two Truths and a Lie: Four Decades

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....

Interview — Tru-Tone Founder, David Andora

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.  M...

Interview — Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum

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/exhu...

Story Time — Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk

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 Incompetec...

Story Time — The Corner Shop

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 Studi...

Story Time — The Dead and the Countess

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 dec...

Story Time — Mr. Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn

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...

Christmas 2021

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 ...

Christmas Eve, Christmas Memories 2021

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. ...

Your Christmas Memories: 2021, vol 2

It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve! The big day is almost here. Friends and loved ones are starting to gather and prepare, ready to add a new chapter to their Christmas story, and to reminisce about Christmasses past. And today, so are we…as the Christmas Past family. It’s another episode all about you. About sharing your stories and memories, your traditions and love of our favorite holiday!  Marv from the UK shares a memory in this episode. Check out his podcast, Pods Like Us. Thanks to him and ...

Backstory — Xmas

Christmas is often abbreviate as Xmas, but why? Why does X make a suitable abbreviation, and why does Christmas need abbreviating at all? To find the answers, we'll have to go back to the earliest days of Christianity, and and explore the world of symbology and word origins.  Thank you to Mignon Fogarty, from Grammar Girl for joining me in this episode!  Music in this episode "Golden Hour" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive "Prelude No. 11" — Chris Zabrieski, via Free Music Arch...

Trivia Double Header — Sheperdy

Welcome back for the second consecutive day of Christmas trivia! It's the conclusion of our special double header. Join us today when Rachel plays quizmaster to Brian in a game of "Sheperdy." We're in the final countdown to Christmas of 2021, but rest assured: there's much more Christmas cheer on tap between now and the big day!   Music in this episode "Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Share a Christmas memory on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone...

Trivia Double Header — Two Truths and a Lie: 1970s

In a first here on Christmas Past, we're doing a double header of Christmas trivia. Join me today and tomorrow for back-to-back episodes where you put your Christmas spirit to the test. Today, the name of the game is "Two Truths and a Lie," where your deception detection skills are just as important as your knowledge of Christmas history. All questions in today's game are related to the 1970s. Tomorrow, come back for Sheperdy, a Jeopardy inspired Christmas trivia game. Today and tomorrow, I'...

Backstory — Figgy Pudding

Victorian carolers wouldn't go until they got some. But many Americans wouldn't know one if they saw one. The figgy pudding (or plum pudding or Christmas pudding) has been with us for many centuries, and in many forms. How did a Medieval savory soup become a fruity, boozy and exclusively Christmassy dessert? Glen Warren from the Seasons Eatings podcast joins Brian in this episode.  Mentioned in this episode Seasons Eatings:  Podcast Instagram The Village Carolers: Website YouTu...

Story Time — The Christmas Fairy

When this episode arrives, there will be only 10 days remaining until Christmas of 2021. It's a good point in the season to take a breather and snuggle up with a story from the world of classic Christmas fiction. Today, I'm reading The Christmas Fairy, an 1878  story by John Strange Winter. It’s a story for the whole family, about a schoolboy whose plans for Christmas take an unexpected turn. Music in this episode "Relaxing Piano Music" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Holiday is Comin...

Backstory — Christmas Charity

Christmas and charity are as natural a pairing as you might imagine. But the long history of charity at Christmas time has a few things worth exploring. For example, who has historically done the charitable giving, and why. And how the Victorians generally, and Charles Dickens specifically, laid the foundation for the modern form of Christmas charity that we know today. Thank you to Martin Johns, professor of history at Swansea University in Wales, and author of Christmas and the British:...