Christmas Past

The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions

De: Brian Earl

Narrado por: Brian Earl

Behind every Christmas tradition is a story—usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate a tree, build a gingerbread house, and get ready for a visit from St. Nicholas, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being largely unaware of their starting chapters. But knowing how these traditions began adds a new level of depth to our Christmas spirit, as well as an arsenal of anecdotes to share at Christmas parties. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday’s Traditions reveals the surprising, quirky, mysterious, and sometimes horrifying stories behind the most wonderful time of the year. With 26 short chapters, it’s a festive, digestible Advent calendar of a book. Covering traditions ancient and modern, Christmas Past is filled with stories of happy accidents, cultural histories, criminal capers (including tomb raiders and con artists), and hidden connections between Christmas and broader social, economic, and technological influences. How did the invention of plate glass forever change the Christmas season? What common Christmas item helped introduce fine art to the masses? Why do Americans typically spike their eggnog with rum, rather than the traditional brandy? And speaking of booze, does using the phrase “Merry Christmas” mark you as a drunken reveler? Christmas Past answers all of those questions, and many more.

©2022 Brian Earl (P)2022 Recorded Books

Superb an Annual Listen

Brian’s podcast has been a part of my own Christmas traditions for the better part of a decade now and this book is a wonderful compilation of some new material and some of his best prior material (hoping for a volume 2 soon!). The narration is excellent, the history good but entertaining and concise - it’s perfect for breaking up over a couple weeks. Thank you Brian!

Excellent general overview of Past and Present

This book is an excellent, but in many cases very general, overview of the Christmas practices and traditions both past and present. I was aware of many accounts in this book but was happily surprised to learn many new stories as well.

My only criticism is that, in what appears to be a rush to touch on as many topics as possible, that quality was sacrificed for quantity. I would rather have longer chapters on some of the topics, rather than short chapters on many.

In any event, the book was easy to listen to (kudos to the author and narrator) and informative. I recommend this book without reservation.

Pop-culture Christmas History

Ever wonder what's behind your favorite holiday traditions? From wassail to poinsettias to those classic holiday TV specials, Brian Earl will tell you the stories of how America influenced holiday traditions and how those traditions continue to influence America.

I'm a fan of the Christmas Past podcast so I had to grab this book when I heard it was out. The chapters are primarily rehashed episodes of the podcast but extra tidbits of information are scattered throughout. Earl narrates the audiobook with his usual cheer.

It's generally a light pop-culture style history book. Nothing overly academic. Some fun experts - like the actor who played Flick on Christmas Story and the only person in the world who know the recipe for the snow inside snow globes. Enjoyable and a good gift for anyone who likes history or Christmas. (

Fantastically fun, Nostalgic, and relatable Social History

I love histories on Christmas and the Winter holidays, but this was my famous. It was so well-done, well-researched, and interesting. But it was also very relatable and funny. I loved it and I'll listen again next Christmas.

A wonderful book from a wonderful podcaster

If you have never listened to Brian Earl’s podcast “Christmas Past” than you are missing out. Thankfully the author chose to narrate the book, his voice is so soothing and just perfect. If you love Christmas this book is for you, if you don’t like Christmas give it a try anyway. You’ll have some great informant to make your case on why you hate it.

Love the podcast! Love the book!

We loved, loved, loved, listening to this, and it will probably be a yearly tradition for our family.