Today is Tibb’s Eve, a time many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians consider to be the official start of the Christmas holiday season.

Tibb’s Eve, which is December 23, is sometimes called Tipsy Eve.

Folklorist Dale Jarvis says the expression dates back to the 1600s and was originally jokingly used to refer to a day that didn’t exist or that simply wouldn’t come.

He says if someone told you they would do something on Tibb’s Eve, you could be sure it wouldn’t happen.

It has since evolved locally into a time of celebration and merriment and is considered to be the first day in the period leading up to Christmas when you can officially imbibe.

Jarvis says only in Newfoundland has a date been affixed to a day that doesn’t actually exist.