What's Happening?
President Donald Trump has declared December 26, 2025, a federal holiday, following the tradition of issuing temporary holiday orders around Christmas. This decision means that federal government offices will be closed, but it does not automatically grant
a day off to employees in the private sector. The declaration is not a permanent addition to the federal holiday schedule, which requires congressional approval. While federal employees may benefit from the day off, private businesses are not legally obligated to follow suit, leaving the decision to individual employers. Major retailers and banks are expected to remain open on December 26, maintaining their usual post-Christmas operations.
Why It's Important?
The temporary designation of December 26 as a federal holiday highlights the discretionary power of the presidency in granting additional days off for federal employees. This move can influence workplace policies in the private sector, as some businesses may choose to align with the federal schedule to offer employees extended holiday breaks. However, the lack of a permanent federal holiday status means that the impact is limited and varies across different sectors. The decision underscores the ongoing discussion about work-life balance and the role of government in regulating holidays, particularly during the holiday season when family gatherings and travel are common.
What's Next?
As December 26 approaches, federal agencies will prepare for the closure, while private businesses will decide whether to offer the day off to their employees. The temporary nature of this holiday may prompt discussions in Congress about the potential for making it a permanent federal holiday, similar to the addition of Juneteenth in 2021. Employers in the private sector will need to communicate their holiday policies clearly to employees to manage expectations. The decision may also lead to public discourse on the benefits and drawbacks of expanding the federal holiday calendar.
