Around 2,000 years ago, on a sacred night in Bethlehem, beneath the glow of radiant stars, a young woman gave birth to a child and placed him in a manger. According to the gospel, the baby Jesus brought a thrill of hope to a weary world, and Christians have since commemorated his birth during the candlelit services of Christmas Eve. More recently, however, a newer, less formal celebration has emerged—though no one can pinpoint exactly when or where it began. Known as Christmas Adam, it takes place on December 23. The reasoning behind the date? As the lighthearted explanation goes: "Because Adam came before Eve."

Unlike Christmas Eve, Christmas Adam is not officially recognized in Christian liturgical calendars, and the Vatican has no association with it. Many churchgoers are unfamiliar with the concept. There are no universal customs for observing the day. Yet, some Protestant families and evangelical groups with a flair for creativity and social media engagement have embraced the idea, inventing their own traditions with a touch of humor.

For some, Christmas Adam is simply an opportunity to share a witty pun. For others, it offers a practical way to stand out in the bustling holiday season by holding church services a day before the main celebrations begin. To clarify, the "eve" in Christmas Eve refers to the evening preceding Christmas, not the biblical Eve created from Adam's rib in Genesis. Nevertheless, this wordplay has humorously woven Adam, the first man, into the modern holiday narrative.

The Reverend Sean Morris of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Tennessee refers to Christmas Adam as a playful, unofficial label for December 23. "Since Christmas Eve has an official name, why not give December 23 a semi-official one too?" he quipped. Morris has even adopted his own quirky tradition—on December 23, he posts a photo of a McRib sandwich on social media as a nod to Adam's rib.

The term "Christmas Adam" appears to have older roots than many might expect. Lexicographers at the Oxford English Dictionary suggest it likely originated from oral wordplay, gaining visibility with the rise of social media. Records show that as far back as 1870, children jokingly referred to December 23 as Christmas Adam in Sunday school conversations, reasoning that it naturally followed Christmas Eve.

In its modern form, Christmas Adam reflects a typically evangelical blend of humor, creativity, and a knack for entertainment. It’s a lighthearted addition to the holiday season, offering a playful prelude to Christmas celebrations.