Brian Earl

Brian Earl, host of the podcast Christmas Past and author, dives into the fascinating origins of our holiday traditions. He reveals how Christmas evolved from a minor religious observance to a massive cultural celebration. Listeners learn about the surprisingly recent image of Santa Claus, the reasons behind bringing evergreen trees indoors, and the quirky history of fruitcake. Earl also discusses the decline of quaint traditions like roasting chestnuts and shares tips on rekindling the Christmas spirit in today's festive landscape.

Brian Earl, host of Christmas Past and author, dives into the origins of beloved Christmas customs, revealing how train travel reshaped holiday gatherings. He explores the fascinating evolution of Christmas traditions and the iconic Santa Claus. Meanwhile, Rebecca Rolland, a speech pathologist and Harvard lecturer, shares expert tips on enhancing communications with children. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue and adjusting our conversations to better connect with kids, especially during the festive season.