Christmas Past

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

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 Music Archive "Wish Background"— Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

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 Archive "Holiday Gift" — Kai Engel, via Free Music Archive "We Wish You" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Box Canyon" — Podington Bear, 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 touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an addr

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 leaving your review, get in touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker. Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

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" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive "Thannoid" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive

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 touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

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 Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Angels We Have Heard" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech 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://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member

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” — Dexter Britain "Hard Boiled" — Kevin MacLeod "Cherry Blossom" — Kevin MacLeod "Sad Marimba Planet" — Lee Rosevere "Do You Hear What I Hear?" — Jimmy Atkins  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://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on F

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://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

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 review, get in touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

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, get in touch through the contact page at http://christmaspast.media/contact and let me know your Apple Podcasts username and an address where you can receive your sticker.  Follow Christmas Past on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Christmas Past is a proud member of the Christmas Podcast Network, a collection of the best Christmas shows around.

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 TunesCan't Wait for ChristmasChristmas CreepsWeird ChristmasTis the PodcastAdvent Calendar HouseAnd a shout out to the rest of the Christmas Podcast Network shows: Deck the HallmarkHallmark and JessIt's a 90s Christmas PodcastFind out more about each show at http://www.christmaspodcastnetwork.comMusic in this episodeNight Light by Blue Dot Sessions

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 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 email I get! You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here. And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It tak

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 email I get! You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an Android device, the simplest way to subscribe may be right here. And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.

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 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 email I get!   And please rate and review the show on iTunes. It's a quick and painless way to show support. It takes less than a minute, and it helps more people find the show.  

  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 memory in this episode Music from this episode “Losing Love” — Dexter Britain, via Free Music Archive “Sad Marimba Planet” — Lee Rosevere, via Free Music Archive “Nouvelle Noel” — Kevin MaCleod, via Incompetech “Poppyseed” — Podington Bear, 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 also sometimes post things to Pinterest. You can send me messages in any of those places, or you can write me at christma

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 Sessions, via Free Music Archive “Contrarian” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive “Wish Background” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Partly Sage" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Stay connected to Christmas Past 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

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” —Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive “Rainy Night” —Dana Boule, via Free Music Archive “Turning” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive “Solar Gain” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive Stay connected to Christmas Past 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

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 “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive Stay connected to Christmas Past 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 email I get! You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stit

      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" — Podington Bear, viaFree Music Archive Stay connected to Christmas Past 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 email I get! You can subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, like iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you're on an