On a recent Thursday, President Donald Trump announced an executive order giving federal employees time off on December 24 and 26. This decision means a five-day weekend for many, since Christmas falls on a Thursday.
The order specifies that agency leaders may need to keep some offices open for national security or essential services. Often, civil servants enjoy an extra day off on Christmas Eve to create a longer holiday weekend.
Historically, Trump has shown a willingness to grant time off during the holiday season. In 2019, he gave federal workers December 24 off, even with Christmas on a Wednesday. In 2020, he provided a full day off when Christmas Eve fell on a Thursday—a move that past presidents often avoided.
This latest decision aligns with former President Barack Obama’s approach. In 2014, when Christmas was again on a Thursday, Obama also gave the day after Christmas off but didn’t extend the holiday to Christmas Eve.
This trend highlights how holiday time off can vary between administrations. According to a recent survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 76% of companies in the U.S. offer some form of holiday pay, reflecting the importance placed on time off during the festive season.
As for public reaction, many federal workers took to social media to express their gratitude for the extended break. It’s clear that holiday time is valued not just for rest but also for reconnecting with family and friends, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic in recent years.
For further insight, you can check the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website on workplace holidays here.
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donald trump, christmas eve, president trump, holiday leave, president donald trump
