This December, workers in the United States will get a little extra break during the holidays, thanks to a recent decision by the president. On December 18, Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26 (the day after Christmas) as federal holidays for 2025. This means that on those days, some people will get to rest a little longer, extending the Christmas festivities.
While this measure is a relief for many, not all workers will benefit from these days off. The reason is that, although Trump has declared these days as holidays for 2025, the measure is not permanent. For a day to become an official federal holiday permanently, it must be approved by Congress and signed by the president, as was the case with Juneteenth in 2021 (June 19).
What Does This Really Mean for Workers?
Although December 24 and 26 will be federal holidays in 2025, not all employees will have the chance to enjoy these days off. Trump’s order only affects government agencies, meaning federal offices will be closed.
However, private companies can choose to offer these days as time off, but they are not legally required to do so. Only those who work for the government or federal agencies will get the day off, while other sectors may not see a significant change.
What About Banks and Stores?
December 25, Christmas Day, will see most banks, stores, and private services closed, as usual. However, December 24 and 26 will remain workdays for many businesses.
According to the Federal Reserve, banks will be open on both dates, except for Christmas Day.
Additionally, major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco will follow their usual schedules, closing only on December 25.
As for mail service, U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offices will be closed on December 25, but will remain open on December 24 and 26 to provide transaction services to the public.
Is This a Permanent Change?
It’s important to note that Trump’s order does not mean these days are permanently added to the federal holiday calendar. In fact, such presidential orders are relatively common during the Christmas season. For example, in 2014, President Barack Obama also declared December 26 a holiday, as it fell on a Friday. Additionally, Trump had previously declared December 24 a holiday during his first term in 2019 and 2020.
These types of measures do not alter the long-term calendar and, therefore, do not guarantee that December 24 and 26 will be days off in future years.
If you have plans for those days, it’s important to check in advance whether your workplace will be open or closed. Also, if you need to run errands or go shopping, keep in mind that stores and services may not necessarily be closed. Federal agencies will be the only ones closed on those days. Make sure to plan your activities ahead of time to avoid any delays.
Image: Opinion
