Christmas Past
479 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 746 ratingsBehind 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, soon entering its ninth 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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Episodes
Backstory — Pantomime
December 05, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIt'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: Pantomime
December 05, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIt'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, vi...
Backstory — The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
December 02, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.34 MBSince 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: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
December 02, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.35 MBSince 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 Heral...
Backstory: Aluminum Christmas Trees
November 30, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.2 MBThey 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 Ses...
Backstory — Aluminum Christmas Trees
November 30, 2022 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.19 MBThey 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
November 28, 2022 08:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIt'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...
Backstory — Christmas Trees
November 28, 2022 08:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIt'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
November 24, 2022 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBWe'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
November 21, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBYes, 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
November 14, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBIt'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
November 08, 2022 02:42 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBThose 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: Tru-Tone Founder, David Andora
November 08, 2022 02:42 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBThose 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. Me...
Interview: Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum
October 31, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBHappy 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/exhume...
Interview — Emily Zarka, host of PBS's Monstrum
October 31, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBHappy 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
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBIn 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 Bu...
Story Time — Christmas Eve on a Haunted Hulk
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBIn 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
October 17, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBTime 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, v...
Story Time — The Corner Shop
October 17, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBTime 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
October 10, 2022 16:03 - 33 minutes - 23 MBIt'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: The Dead and the Countess
October 10, 2022 16:03 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBIt'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 deco...
Story Time: Mr. Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn
October 03, 2022 07:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBChristmas 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-Mill...
Story Time — Mr. Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn
October 03, 2022 07:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBChristmas 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
December 25, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MBMerry 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
December 24, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIt'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
December 22, 2021 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIt'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
December 21, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.45 MBChristmas 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 Archive...
Backstory — Xmas
December 21, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.44 MBChristmas 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
December 19, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBWelcome 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: Sheperdy
December 19, 2021 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBWelcome 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 an...
Trivia Double Header — Two Truths and a Lie: 1970s
December 18, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn 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'...
Trivia Double Header: Two Truths and a Lie: 1970s
December 18, 2021 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn 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
December 16, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.43 MBVictorian 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 YouTube ch...
Backstory — Figgy Pudding
December 16, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBVictorian 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
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.62 MBWhen 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...
Story Time: The Christmas Fairy
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.63 MBWhen 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 Coming"...
Backstory: Christmas Charity
December 13, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.06 MBChristmas 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: ...
Backstory — Christmas Charity
December 13, 2021 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.05 MBChristmas 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:...
Backstory — Chestnuts
December 11, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.67 MBIn 1945, when songwriter Bob Wells first penned the line "chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." chestnuts were as much a part of the Christmas season as eggnog and gingerbread. And then, just a few years after Nat King Cole recorded his iconic version of that song...they weren't. What happened? It's one of the few examples from recent history of a Christmas tradition dying out — literally — in a single generation. Is it lost forever? Or are we poised for a roasty toasty Christmas comeback s...
Backstory: Chestnuts
December 11, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.68 MBIn 1945, when songwriter Bob Wells first penned the line "chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." chestnuts were as much a part of the Christmas season as eggnog and gingerbread. And then, just a few years after Nat King Cole recorded his iconic version of that song...they weren't. What happened? It's one of the few examples from recent history of a Christmas tradition dying out — literally — in a single generation. Is it lost forever? Or are we poised for a roasty toasty Christmas comeback s...
Your Christmas Memories: 2021, vol 1
December 09, 2021 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBIt's our first family gathering of the season...the kind dedicated to members of the Christmas Past family and their Christmas memories. Pour the hot chocolate and snuggle up by the tree! It's time for a trip down memory lane. Music in this episode "Just Stay" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library "Frozen in Love" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library "Waterfall" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library "Arms of Heaven" — Aakash Gandhi, via Youtube Audio Library "Fall...
Backstory — The Cinnamon Bear
December 07, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MBIn 1937, radio audiences were introduced to The Cinnamon Bear, a magical twenty-six-part Christmas miniseries. Twins Judy and Jimmy search through the enchanted world of Maybeland for their lost Christmas ornament with the help of a talking bear. The series delighted audiences for many seasons before falling out of the mainstream. But a new audience is discovering the program in the Internet age. Thank you to Jack French from the Metropolitan Washington Old Time Radio Club for appearin...
Backstory: The Cinnamon Bear
December 07, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.79 MBIn 1937, radio audiences were introduced to The Cinnamon Bear, a magical twenty-six-part Christmas miniseries. Twins Judy and Jimmy search through the enchanted world of Maybeland for their lost Christmas ornament with the help of a talking bear. The series delighted audiences for many seasons before falling out of the mainstream. But a new audience is discovering the program in the Internet age. Thank you to Jack French from the Metropolitan Washington Old Time Radio Club for appearing ...
Story Time: Festival of the Elves
December 05, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBToday is an episode for the whole family! A Christmas story about two elves who decide to bring their special month-long celebration to humans. I'll narrate Festive of the Elves, a 2020 book, as told by Holly Figgyworth. After the reading, I speak with Angeli Elliott about the origins of the story, and how families can bring a little elfin magic to their own Christmas! Visit www.festivaloftheelves.com to find out more about the book, and to register for Elf Notes. And find Festival of the ...
Story Time — Festival of the Elves
December 05, 2021 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBToday is an episode for the whole family! A Christmas story about two elves who decide to bring their special month-long celebration to humans. I'll narrate Festive of the Elves, a 2020 book, as told by Holly Figgyworth. After the reading, I speak with Angeli Elliott about the origins of the story, and how families can bring a little elfin magic to their own Christmas! Visit www.festivaloftheelves.com to find out more about the book, and to register for Elf Notes. And find Festival of the...
Backstory — Ugly Christmas Sweaters
December 04, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBChristmas and sweaters naturally go together. But how did the idea of a festive holiday sweater become the multimillion dollar industry of recent decades? Is the gawdy, ironic, edgy humored Christmas sweater a passing fad, or are we at the start of something enduring? Today on Christmas Past: The "ugly" Christmas sweater! Thank you to Evan Mendelsohn from Tipsy Elves for joining me. And thanks to my mom, making her third appearance here on Christmas Past! Music in this episode "Wish Bac...
Backstory: Ugly Christmas Sweaters
December 04, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 8.16 MBChristmas and sweaters naturally go together. But how did the idea of a festive holiday sweater become the multimillion dollar industry of recent decades? Is the gawdy, ironic, edgy humored Christmas sweater a passing fad, or are we at the start of something enduring? Today on Christmas Past: The "ugly" Christmas sweater! Thank you to Evan Mendelsohn from Tipsy Elves for joining me. And thanks to my mom, making her third appearance here on Christmas Past! Music in this episode "Wish Backg...
Interview: Megan Alexander, host of Small Town Christmas on UPtv
December 02, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MBAll the different landscapes and climates and cultures in America make for a seemingly endless number of settings for celebrating our favorite holiday. And one kind of setting in particular has earned a special place in American Christmas culture and lore: the small town. That homey, local Christmas spirit is the topic of Small Town Christmas, the new series on UPtv. Series creator and host Megan Alexander joins Brian to discuss. Plus, Brian shares a small town Christmas memory of his own! ...
Interview — Megan Alexander, host of Small Town Christmas on UPtv
December 02, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MBAll the different landscapes and climates and cultures in America make for a seemingly endless number of settings for celebrating our favorite holiday. And one kind of setting in particular has earned a special place in American Christmas culture and lore: the small town. That homey, local Christmas spirit is the topic of Small Town Christmas, the new series on UPtv. Series creator and host Megan Alexander joins Brian to discuss. Plus, Brian shares a small town Christmas memory of his own! ...
Backstory — A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.74 MBA Charlie Brown Christmas became one of the most successful Christmas television specials ever. But the odds were stacked against it in 1965. Written and produced under a crazy deadline, the network executives were sure it would flop like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. But of course, things turned out differently. This episode includes an interview with Benjamin Clark, curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA. Music in this episode "Nouvelle Noel" — Kevin MacLeod, via...