Christmas Past, Brian Earl
Christmas Past, Brian Earl
List: $12.99 | Sale: $9.10
Club: $6.49

Christmas Past
The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions

Author: Brian Earl

Narrator: Brian Earl

Unabridged: 4 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 11/01/2022


Synopsis

Behind every Christmas tradition is a story—usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we string up lights, 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 twenty-six short chapters, Christmas Past is a festive, digestible Advent calendar of a book. Covering traditions ancient and modern, it’s 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 Pastanswers all those questions and many more.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Amanda on December 03, 2021

Christmas Past did not disappoint. This story was actually a lot deeper than I had anticipated, and I appreciated the depth of the characters. Addison was so selfish and uncompromising and she really worked my nerves in the beginning. Whew! Thank God that Kerry was a saint. His love was unconditiona......more

Goodreads review by Yvette on January 14, 2018

I really enjoyed this holiday story. The author has once again managed to tell an entertaining and engaging story surrounding sibling relationships and the complex dynamics associated with them. I believed Addison's pain and heartache. Dealing with the death of a beloved family member is already a t......more

Goodreads review by Diane on January 14, 2020

As many get excited and prepare for the holiday season, Addison Ross just wants to read a good book and watch movies. Christmas is a reminder of pain, hurt and loss. But a sudden illness forces her to return to the family home in North Carolina. She is forced to deal with the past, while going they......more

Goodreads review by Odessa on January 13, 2018

I Want More!! What a page turner! So much so that I was almost late for work because I couldn't put it down!! I only gave 4 stars because the ending was so rushed and left many unanswered questions. Did she accept her brother's explanation or did she keep up with her own self-centered grief. While I......more

Goodreads review by J.L. on April 03, 2021

Loved it This was such a great story. I felt like I was Addison at some points, the emotion was so raw and real. I felt like she was so mean and hateful to Kerry, that she might lose him, but then I learned why and it was just...wow. For one person to carry that much internal pain...I see how it tru......more