👂 If Christmas wasn’t already rich enough in festive spirit, the Christmas Past podcast uncovers the lore behind the beloved, age-old holiday over nine seasons and 250+ episodes. Get warm and comfy, put your headphones on, hit play, and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting vastness of Christmas’ past. Host Brian Earl has been the voice behind the podcast’s captivating narrations since its release in 2016, covering the origins of the holiday’s traditions to exceptional stories that took place on 25 Decembers past.

Can you picture Christmas without the dazzling blur of colorful lights? One episode traces the origins of Christmas lights to 1882 and inventor Edward Johnson. The narration immerses you in the chilly but festive New York City — air infused with roasted chestnut, sounds of rushed feet shuffling, merry chattering carrying through the chilly air. Even more breathtaking is audio from a 1880s reporter describing the thrilling new invention of a Christmas tree “lighted by electricity,” spinning in place and gleaming with color.

The rest of the episode focuses on Johnson’s accomplishments, his connection to Thomas Edison, who was his student, and whose company, established years later, began selling light bulbs as an exclusive commodity that eventually turned into a commercial staple and a household fixture, lighting people’s homes every Christmas.

Christmas Past makes for a great companion during the cold winter months — episodes are short, clear, and brimming with interesting history and stories of warmth. It also hosts a Christmas Memories segment, inviting listeners to share their special holiday moments.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in to Christmas Past on Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | iHeart | Podbean | Spotify.

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