In a move that has left many federal employees in high spirits, President Donald Trump has declared **Christmas Eve** and **December 26** as federal holidays for the year 2025. This decision, announced late in the year, marks a significant departure from the traditional work schedule and adds to the festivities by providing federal workers with a four-day weekend.
Historically, Christmas Eve has been a day with varied treatment under different administrations. For instance, in 2019 and 2020, Trump had declared Christmas Eve a federal holiday, but this was not a consistent practice before his tenure. This year, however, the executive order extends the holiday to both Christmas Eve and December 26, adding an extra day of rest.
President Trump has always been vocal about the need for reduced non-working holidays, even commenting on the necessity of fewer holidays in the past. However, this executive order seems to be a significant shift in policy, especially in light of the comments made by Trump about having “too many non-working holidays” in the past. The decision to grant two additional holidays around Christmas has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move for providing much-needed rest while others raise concerns about the economic impact and potential workload for non-federal employees.
The executive order specifies that all federal government offices and agencies will be closed on December 24 and 26, 2025. This is unprecedented in recent history, with the last similar gesture being made by President Barack Obama, who granted federal employees a holiday on the day after Christmas in previous years. The order, which only applies to 2025, has led to speculation about whether this will set a new precedent for future Christmas holidays.
Federal workers have already expressed their gratitude for the extended break. While some argue that this could lead to a more rested and productive workforce, others are concerned about the potential disruption it may cause to ongoing projects and the increased workload for private-sector employees who do not have the luxury of these extended holidays. The order, however, has been welcomed by many as a gesture of goodwill, especially as the holiday season approaches.
In conclusion, President Trump’s decision to declare Christmas Eve and December 26 as federal holidays in 2025 has added a unique twist to the traditional holiday schedule. This move not only provides federal employees with a well-deserved extended break but also raises important questions about the balance between worker welfare and productivity. As the nation prepares to celebrate the holidays, federal employees can look forward to a longer rest period, thanks to this executive order. The long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on the joy and relaxation that these extra holidays bring.
