This year's Christmas is rare. See why its date is once-in-a-century.

Christmas this year is extra special, and not just because of the presents under the tree.

For the first time in a century, the date of Christmas is the same as the last two digits of the year. Meaning, when the date is written out in the month/day/year format — as 12/25/25 — the day and year are the same.

This also means that for most of the rest of the world that uses a day/month/year format for dates, writing out this year's Christmas date will consist of the same first and last numbers: 25/12/25.

While perhaps not as cool as a palindrome date — when the date reads the same forwards and backwards — it's still a fun holiday tidbit for those who love quirky dates.

Palindrome dates are also much more common than the format of this year's Christmas date. In the 21st century, there are a total of 38 palindrome dates in the month/day/year format, according to the University of Portland. Comparatively, 12/25/25 won't happen for another 100 years.

Why is the date of Christmas unique this year?

Of course, Christmas always falls on Dec. 25. However, when written out with the last two digits of the year as well, the date of Christmas this year has the same day and year: 12/25/25.

This occurrence hasn't happened for a century — since Dec. 25, 1925. And the next time it will happen is also 100 years out — Dec. 25, 2125.

Date format is more widely recognized for birthdays

It turns out, there is a name for a date format that, like this year's Christmas date, corresponds with the last two digits of the current year.

While most people are familiar with a "golden birthday," or when a person turns the same age as the day they were born, there is also a name for when a person turns the same age as the last two digits of their birth year.

A "Beddian birthday" is when a person turns the same age as the last two digits of their birth year, according to various websites, including The Gallery Collection and Birthday Counts. Meaning, a person who was born in 2025 will celebrate their Beddian birthday when they turn 25.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.