Description

When the first department store Santa appeared in 1890, it wasn't just a cross section of Christmas and commerce. It was also a major step in the evolution of Santa Claus.

Fun Links

• First Department Store Santa: The Web site created by John Merian, who appears in this episode
• Eventually Supertrain: The Web site for Daniel Budnick, who shares a Christmas memory on the show

Music from this episode

• “Thannoid” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• “Are We Loose Yet” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• “Heliotrope” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
• "Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech

Connect with Me

• Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
• Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past(2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions(2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)