# christmas past (audio feeds) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover christmas past. Page: Feed: --- ## Christmas 2025 _2025-12-25 · Christmas Past_ Merry Christmas! The festive season reaches its peak today. And for the tenth year in a row, I'm here on Christmas Day to take a look back. We'll reflect on the news and trends, the sights and sounds that made Christmas of 2025 what it was. Plus, a little report from Christmas Past headquarters, and a guest appearance from little Dashiell! Wishing all of your a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18410541-christmas-2025.mp3) ## Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 4 _2025-12-23 · Christmas Past_ This episode arrives on Christmas Eve Eve. It's our final family gathering of the season, where members of the Christmas Past family share some of their favorite Christmas memories. Music in This Episode " Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells " — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay " Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes " — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay Connect with Me Links to all the things… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18401632-christmas-memories-2025-vol-4.mp3) ## The Secret Santa of Kansas City _2025-12-22 · Christmas Past_ A mysterious philanthropist spent more than 25 years handing out cash anonymously around Kansas City at Christmastime. Music in this Episode " I Knew A Guy " — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech " Elegy for Manush " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " The Agency Man " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Velvet Ladder " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Soft Piano Music… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18395804-the-secret-santa-of-kansas-city.mp3) ## Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 3 _2025-12-20 · Christmas Past_ We're at the end of the last full week of the Christmas season. Christmas 2025 is right around the corner. And today, we're back with another family gathering to reminisce about Christmases past. It's another visit dedicated to you and your Christmas memories! Music in This Episode " Cozy Podcast Music with Christmas Bells " — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay " Podcast Jazz Waltz Cozy Relaxing Vibes " —… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18386387-christmas-memories-2025-vol-3.mp3) ## The Silent Night _2025-12-19 · Christmas Past_ During the Great War, the fighting briefly ceased on Christmas on some parts of the front line. The so-called "Christmas Truce" has become almost legendary. What really happened? Read some of the newspaper articles from 1914 and 1915 reporting on the story at the Library of Congress's Chronicling America archive. Music in this Episode " Drum Feature: Generations from the Simple Gifts Show " — The… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18359278-the-silent-night.mp3) ## All of you on the Good Earth _2025-12-17 · Christmas Past_ 1968 was one of the most tumultuous years in modern history. But one bright spot occurred on Christmas Eve: an amazing feat that captivated the world. Music in this Episode " Farewell " — Maarten Schellekens, via Free Music Archive " Endless Cosmos " — Serge Quadrado, via Free Music Archive " You'll Never Come to Dorset " — C. Diab, from the album Immerro, courtesy of Tonal Union records " Dawn… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18359234-all-of-you-on-the-good-earth.mp3) ## The Hero of Dear Old Halifax _2025-12-15 · Christmas Past_ A tragic accident at Christmastime in 1917 gives way to a story of a heroic response, a lasting friendship, and a unique Christmas tradition. Read Walter's letter to Harold , described in this story. Music in this Episode " Carrier's Lullaby " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Quiet Serenity " — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive " Stay the Course " — Kevin MacLeod, via… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18353690-the-hero-of-dear-old-halifax.mp3) ## Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 2 _2025-12-13 · Christmas Past_ Boy, are we right in the thick of this Christmas season. Thanksgiving was just a little over two weeks ago. Christmas Day is just a little under two weeks from today. I suppose that makes it peak Christmas season. So, what better time to come together again for a Christmas Past family gathering? Today, it's another special episode dedicated to you and your Christmas memories. Music in This Episode… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18346217-christmas-memories-2025-vol-2.mp3) ## None Appeared More Astonished _2025-12-12 · Christmas Past_ A child's Christmas surprise for his family in 1902 became the stuff of myth and legend. Music in this Episode " Crystal Dreams " — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive " Silent Movie " —Anastasia Chubarova, via Pixabay " Dreadnaught Files " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Cannolini " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Lonely Christmas " — Snoozy Beats, via Free Music… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18327102-none-appeared-more-astonished.mp3) ## The Weeping Waters _2025-12-10 · Christmas Past_ In 1953, a Christmas Eve train bound for New Zealand's capital city met a tragic fate. Music in this Episode " Ourselves at Least " — C. Diab, from the album Imerro on Tonal Union Records " Bucharest " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Cozy Winter " — Oleksii Kalyna, via Pixabay " Velejo " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Below the River " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18327081-the-weeping-waters.mp3) ## [Non-Custodial Crypto Gateway (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/pk3fJPf0u3xe) _2025-12-10 · **Sponsored**_ Accept multi-chain crypto, automated fee handling, and trustless escrow with real-time settlement. ## When the Current Was Turned _2025-12-08 · Christmas Past_ In 1882, inventor Edward Johnson set up a one-of-a-kind Christmas display in his New York City home...and it changed the face of Christmas as we know it. Music in This Episode " Vessel Five " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " In the Saloon " — Piano Music, via Pixabay " Whispers of the Heart " — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive " Vessel One " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18313378-when-the-current-was-turned.mp3) ## Christmas Memories 2025 - vol 1 _2025-12-06 · Christmas Past_ The Christmas season is in full swing. The tree is up. The carols are playing. The shopping and baking merrymaking of all sorts is here once again. We're all doing a lot of the stuff that Christmas memories are made of. And Christmas memories are what bring us together here today. This season on Christmas Past, I’m sharing your Christmas memories in special episodes dedicated just to them...like… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18308509-christmas-memories-2025-vol-1.mp3) ## Homecoming _2025-12-05 · Christmas Past_ On a cold winter's night, a man working in a field saw an out-of-place object in the night sky. This is a Christmas story, but it's not the one you think it is. Music in This Episode " Below the River " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Dream Lodger " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Embrace Serenity " — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive " Mallet Play " — Maarten… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18274086-homecoming.mp3) ## The Builder of Tomorrows _2025-12-03 · Christmas Past_ Inventor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden received hundreds of patents in his career. And one invention that debuted in 1906 changed Christmas as we know it. Music in This Episode " Agony and Ivory " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " The Cresting " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Tranquility " — Kevin MacLeod, via Free Music Archive " Peaceful Acoustic Guitar Instrumental for… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18274077-the-builder-of-tomorrows.mp3) ## The Birthday Gift _2025-12-01 · Christmas Past_ Teenaged Annie Ide resented being born on December 25 because Christmas always overshadowed her birthday. But a unique birthday gift from an eccentric family friend would change the course of her life forever. Music in This Episode " An Early Sneak " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Taboret " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive " Calm Meditation, Good Sleep " — Lihn Pham, via… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18274028-the-birthday-gift.mp3) ## Season 10 Announcement, Dickens Fair, etc. _2025-11-29 · Christmas Past_ Just dropping by with a quick hello, now that the season is in full swing. Today, I share an announcement about this season of Christmas Past, as well as share highlights from my annual visit to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. Plus...a surprise guest appearance! Music in this Episode " Working Time - Soft Acoustic Guitar " — Dream Protocol, via Pixabay Connect with Me Links to… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18260069-season-10-announcement-dickens-fair-etc.mp3) ## Story Time: Lucky's Grove _2025-11-27 · Christmas Past_ Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It's the kickoff to the main season of Christmas Past. What better way to get things going than with a cozy gathering around the fire for some old fashioned storytelling? Today, I'm back with a ghost story for Christmas. In "Lucky's Grove," when a Christmas tree is selected from a mysterious grove, strange and tragic events follow. Thanks to my friends at Biblioasis… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18246058-story-time-lucky-s-grove.mp3) ## Interview: Vaughn Joy, Author of Selling Out Santa _2025-11-21 · Christmas Past_ In today's episode, Vaughn Joy, Ph.D. joins Christmas Past to discuss how the social and political climate of the mid-20th century shaped the Christmas movies of that era. She's the author of the new book, Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy Music in this Episode " Happy Night Christmas Winter Jazz " — Music for Videos, via Pixabay Connect with Me Links to all the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18226772-interview-vaughn-joy-author-of-selling-out-santa.mp3) ## Interview: Thomas Ruys Smith, author of Searching for Santa Claus _2025-11-14 · Christmas Past_ Today, we welcome back a frequent guest on Christmas Past. Thomas Ruys Smith is a professor of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. He’s also a frequent guest on Christmas Past and the author of several books about Christmas history and literature. His latest is Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories, and Illustrations that… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18186420-interview-thomas-ruys-smith-author-of-searching-for-santa-claus.mp3) ## Interview: Alonso Duralde, author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas _2025-11-07 · Christmas Past_ Today, I'm talking to Alonso Duralde, film critic, podcaster, and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas (2nd Edition). Music in this episode " Our Minds Following " — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Connect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Books Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18148716-interview-alonso-duralde-author-of-have-yourself-a-movie-little-christmas.mp3) ## [Prime Noise-Cancelling Picks (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/CdtCGJqw0F7h) _2025-11-07 · **Sponsored**_ Browse Prime-eligible, 4-star-and-up noise-cancelling earbuds with fast shipping and deals ## Story Time: The Mistress in Black _2025-10-31 · Christmas Past_ Happy Halloween, everyone! 👻🎃 And welcome to the 2025 pre-season for Christmas Past. For the past several years now, we've kicked off the pre-season with a ghost story from my friends at Biblioasis Publishing. They publish a series of three ghost stories for Christmas every year, beautifully designed and illustrated by the acclaimed artist known only as Seth. Today, I'm narrating Rosemary… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/18108372-story-time-the-mistress-in-black.mp3) ## Christmas 2024 (plus listener memories) _2024-12-25 · Christmas Past_ The big day is here, and so is our final episode of 2024. As we so do every year, we'll take a look back at all the news, trends, sights, and sounds that made this Christmas what it was. We'll also hear some Christmas memories from the Christmas Past family. Thank you for another wonderful season. I'll see you next year. Merry Christmas! Music in this episode " Jazz Podcast Night Relaxing Vibes "… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16333706-christmas-2024-plus-listener-memories.mp3) ## Backstory: Wren Day _2024-12-23 · Christmas Past_ The small, unassuming wren may be nothing much to look at, but wait till it starts singing. Its loud, complex songs, and its tendency to sing them throughout winter, has earned it the title of “King of Birds.” But on December 26, the king is dead. Wren Day is a traditional hunting of the wren, followed by celebrations that include disguise, door-to-door visiting and parading, and song. It’s… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16323860-backstory-wren-day.mp3) ## Backstory: The Yule Lads _2024-12-20 · Christmas Past_ One by one, over a series of nights during Christmastime in Iceland, the Yule Lads come down from a mountain, making mischief, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad. These lovable scamps are unique melding of folkloric traditions, and a reminder that Christmas once was — and still can be — haunted and scary. Terry Gunnell, professor emeritus of folkloristics at the University of Iceland, joins… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16311154-backstory-the-yule-lads.mp3) ## Backstory: Ded Moroz _2024-12-18 · Christmas Past_ Ded Moroz ("Grandfather Frost"), went from folk tale to fairy tale, from beloved symbol of Christmas to exile, and then back to beloved symbol, all in surprisingly short order. It’s a story of ups and downs, set against the backdrop of a violent social and political revolution, and which resulted in a strange stint as the “Soviet Santa Claus.” Karen Petrone, University of Kentucky history… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16295631-backstory-ded-moroz.mp3) ## Your Christmas Memories 2024 _2024-12-17 · Christmas Past_ Once again it’s time for one of my favorite traditions here on Christmas Past: dedicating an entire episode to you and your Christmas memories! I love these little glimpses into other people’s lives, families, memories, and all the different ways that Christmas can be celebrated and loved and made special and personal. So, get cozy. You’re invited to another Christmas Past family gathering, and… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16288819-your-christmas-memories-2024.mp3) ## Backstory: Ivy _2024-12-16 · Christmas Past_ For a long time, ivy conjured images of all things pagan, superstitious, gluttonous, debauched, and morbid. For those reasons, it would be forbidden from churches and Christian homes. Today, it's a classic symbol of Christmas. Sue Hunter joins Brian to tell this uniquely Christmassy turnaround story. Thank you to composer Sarah Cattley for permission to share the beautiful rendition of " Ivy,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16284857-backstory-ivy.mp3) ## Backstory: Gremlins _2024-12-13 · Christmas Past_ Forty years ago, audiences got into the Christmas spirit by watching a little green creature get killed in a blender. Gremlins was more than a movie that combined horror, comedy, gory violence, and Christmas. It was a massive a pop culture phenomenon, and one of the last movies of its kind to be rated PG. Alonso Duralde, film critic, podcaster, and author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16270545-backstory-gremlins.mp3) ## Backstory: Why is Christmas on December 25? _2024-12-11 · Christmas Past_ If Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, and we celebrate it on December 25, then Jesus must have been born on that day, right? Not so fast! We actually have no good idea when Jesus was born. And besides, the observance of his birth on December 25 is a 4th century contrivance. But why December 25 of all days? In today's episode, professor and author Michael Foley joins Brian to make sense of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16255079-backstory-why-is-christmas-on-december-25.mp3) ## Backstory: The Original Santa Claus Parade _2024-12-09 · Christmas Past_ Who doesn't love a parade? The very idea of a procession, usually involving costumes and music, is at least 4,000 years old. But grand parades to kick off the Christmas season are much newer. The kind we're most familiar with nowadays developed when large retail chains held parades to stimulate shopping and define a new, earlier start to the Christmas season. All that capitalism sounds very… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16242057-backstory-the-original-santa-claus-parade.mp3) ## [Hire AI-Powered Freelancers Fast (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/q030YGcAEHJL) _2024-12-09 · **Sponsored**_ Browse and hire skilled professionals using AI tools — free to post, free to apply. ## Backstory: The Magi _2024-12-06 · Christmas Past_ The three kings. The wise men. The magi. They're the supporting cast in many a Nativity scene...the subject of several postage stamps and greeting cards...the subject of that classic Christmas song. Who were they? Where were they from? Why did they traverse afar following yonder star? What was with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Were they even real? And does it matter? Today, professor and… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16229431-backstory-the-magi.mp3) ## Backstory: Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials _2024-12-04 · Christmas Past_ The creative team of Rankin and Bass have produced some of the most enduring, nostalgia-producing Christmas specials in television history. Historian and biographer Rick Goldschmidt joins Brian to tell the story of how an art director and an ad jingle writer became "the kings of Christmas." Links More info about Rankin/Bass and Rick Goldschmidt Rick's books about Rankin/Bass Music in this episode… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16217085-backstory-rankin-bass-christmas-specials.mp3) ## Backstory: Toys for Tots _2024-12-02 · Christmas Past_ The more than 75-year success story of Toys for Tots may seem like a fairly simple story: the Marine Corp reserve starts up a holiday charity for needy kids. But there’s more to it than that. From humble, almost accidental beginnings in 1947, the program was able to grow through a unique mix of show business connections, celebrity endorsements, political influence, post World War II America,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16199964-backstory-toys-for-tots.mp3) ## Backstory: Christmas Creep _2024-11-28 · Christmas Past_ A lot of people complain that Christmas comes earlier every year. But, is that really true? Extended holiday shopping seasons have been the norm for well over a century. And besides, there's one big (and spooooky ) reason that Christmas can only come so early. Marketing professor Darrin Duber-Smith joins Brian to discuss the phenomenon of "Christmas creep." Music in this episode " Silent Movie… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16129835-backstory-christmas-creep.mp3) ## Danny Pellegrino, Author of The Jolliest Bunch _2024-11-21 · Christmas Past_ Danny Pellegrino is a bestselling author, actor, and screenwriter. His latest book, The Jolliest Bunch: Unhinged Holiday Stories , is a nostalgic trip through his most festive memories in a collection of stories that are heartfelt, hilarious, and — for better or worse — true. I caught up with Danny earlier this year to talk about the book, Christmas, family, and more. Music in this episode "… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16129692-danny-pellegrino-author-of-the-jolliest-bunch.mp3) ## Interview: Actor John Rhys-Davies on Scrooge: A Christmas Carol _2024-11-14 · Christmas Past_ Actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) joins Brian to discuss Scrooge, A Christmas Carol. Rhys-Davies plays Dickens's narrator in this four-part audio drama podcast, set for re-release on November 22. Music in this episode " O Holy Night " — Calvin Clavier, via Pixabay Connect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email:… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16094359-interview-actor-john-rhys-davies-on-scrooge-a-christmas-carol.mp3) ## 2024 Indie Christmas Music Playlist _2024-11-07 · Christmas Past_ We're in the early Christmas preseason. It's the perfect time to discover some new Christmas music before the radio stations start overplaying the standard set of classics. In this episode, we've got some new-to-you Christmas songs from independent artists you may not have otherwise discovered on your favorite station or streaming service. Music in this episode " Cozy Jazz Podcast Music with… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16059437-2024-indie-christmas-music-playlist.mp3) ## Storytime: "Podolo" _2024-10-31 · Christmas Past_ Happy Halloween, everybody! And more than that: welcome to another season of Christmas Past. Yes, it’s still Halloween. But that's the perfect time to kick things off, because it gives us a chance to honor the classic Christmas tradition of sharing a ghost story. Our Victorian forebears really loved their ghost stories — for all occasions, but perhaps especially for Christmas. Many magazines of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299135/episodes/16024016-storytime-podolo.mp3)