It&apos;s our eighth consecutive Christmas together. As we close out the 2023 season, we&apos;re taking a look back at the news and trends that made this Christmas what it was. Thank you all for another wonderful Christmas season together. Merry Christmas! And until we meet again, may your days be merry and bright. <h2>Music in this Episode</h2> &quot;<a href='https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/mp3-royaltyfree/Deck%20the%20Halls%20A.mp3' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Deck the Halls A</a>&quot; — Kevin MacLeod, via IncompetechOrder your copy today!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christmases-Long-Ago-Surprising-Traditions/dp/149308965X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.reIYlN0fAk-fXReS-4n4GuNqF6qyGww5eZSjfcqSyOzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.SvcTjKnFTfA6XbkRhwmty5MGemHGQ11WGMUpjicAFMM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=brian+earl&amp;qid=1756783996&amp;sr=8-1">Of Christmases Long, Long Ago</a>Connect with Me <ul> <li>Links to all the things <a href='https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links'>https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links</a> </li> <li>Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com</li> </ul> Books <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Christmases-Long-Ago-Surprising-Traditions/dp/149308965X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RXSI9XDR82J3&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.reIYlN0fAk-fXReS-4n4GsLCPCka3-CQDzVOJsuhhDg.c8Ezi77Xgkg-Pl6wg58PB7-CxAnEe1Cawg4I1NDfUyY&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=brian+earl&amp;qid=1761868527&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C175&amp;sr=8-1'>Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past</a> (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It&apos;s Christmas as you&apos;ve never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Past-Fascinating-Favorite-Traditions-ebook/dp/B0B8QGCVW3?ref_=ast_author_mpb'>Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday&apos;s Traditions</a> (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

Storytime: "Podolo"

Behind 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.&nbsp;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!&nbsp;Christmas Past is one of the longest running Christmas podcasts, now in its tenth 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 is the author of two books about Christmas:&nbsp;Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025) and&nbsp;Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022). Both are available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook (narrated by the author). Find them wherever books are sold.&nbsp;