The U.S. President Trump signed an executive order last week declaring the day before and the day after Christmas this year as federal holidays. This means that some American workers can enjoy a paid Christmas holiday starting from Wednesday (December 24) and lasting until Friday.
For most Americans, this is good news, but not all workers are able to benefit from this three-day paid holiday. In fact, with the weekend included, this holiday will last for a total of five days.
Temporary holidays being declared by the President are not uncommon. However, for a day to be designated as a permanent federal holiday, it must be established by Congress through relevant legislation and signed into law by the President.
Unfortunately, Trump’s order does not mean that most Americans will have time off on December 24th and 26th.
Many workplaces outside the federal government refer to the federal holiday schedule when scheduling paid holidays. However, since December 24th and 26th are not permanent federal holidays, those who do not already have these days off are unlikely to receive this Christmas surprise at the last minute.
Only federal agencies will be closed during these two additional holiday days. According to Trump’s executive order, for some federal agencies that involve “national security, defense, or other emergency public needs,” the decision of whether employees need to work will be left to agency heads. Private businesses can decide whether to give their employees time off, but it is not required by law.
While federal agencies may close on the two days before and after Christmas this year, places like banks, post offices, and private retailers will remain open as usual.
According to information on the U.S. Postal Service website, post offices will be closed on Christmas Day and no mail will be delivered. However, on December 24th and 26th, post offices will be open as usual and mail will be delivered.
As per Federal Reserve regulations, banks will follow their regular operating schedules – open on December 24th and 26th, closed on Christmas Day.
Major private retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco typically follow the tradition of only closing on Christmas Day. Target stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on December 24th, closed on Christmas Day, and resume normal operations on December 26th. Similarly, Walmart, Costco, and other private enterprises will also only be closed on Christmas Day.