Backstory — Xmas

Christmas is often abbreviate as Xmas, but why? Why does X make a suitable abbreviation, and why does Christmas need abbreviating at all? To find the answers, we'll have to go back to the earliest days of Christianity, and and explore the world of symbology and word origins.  Thank you to Mignon Fogarty, from Grammar Girl for joining me in this episode!  Music in this episode "Golden Hour" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive "Prelude No. 11" — Chris Zabrieski, via Free Music Archive "Silent Night" — ZakharValaha, via Pixabay "Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Share a Christmas memory on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone and send it to christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com. Keep it reasonably short, clean and family friendly, and be sure to say your name and where you're from.  Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasPastPodcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173778110150282 Twitter: https://twitter.com/XmasPastPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christmaspastofficial/   

Om Podcasten

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. 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! Christmas Past is one of the longest running Christmas podcasts, soon entering its ninth 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's new book is out now from Lyons Press and Recorded books! Get your copy today, wherever books are sold. And remember...it makes a great gift!