Christmas Eve Not Federal Holiday in 2025

Credit: www.newsweek.com

President Donald Trump's December 18, 2025 executive order provided federal employees with two additional days off around Christmas 2025, but Christmas Eve is not a permanent federal holiday. While federal offices will close on December 24 and 26, banks, post offices, and private businesses remain open, creating confusion for millions of American workers about their holiday schedules.

The 2025 Executive Order: Temporary vs. Permanent

On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order granting most federal employees paid time off on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26—the days immediately before and after the federally recognized Christmas holiday on December 25. This move follows a pattern established by recent presidents but represents the first time in recent years that federal workers received two additional days off around the holiday.

Critical Distinction: Executive Order vs. Congressional Law

It's essential to understand that this executive order does not make Christmas Eve a permanent federal holiday. Only an act of Congress can establish a permanent federal holiday, as seen with the creation of Juneteenth National Independence Day in 2021 when President Biden signed legislation passed by both houses of Congress.

What Remains Open on Christmas Eve

Despite the executive order closing federal government offices, most essential services and private businesses will operate normally on December 24, 2025:

Banking Operations

According to the Federal Reserve, banks will follow their typical schedule of being open for business on December 24 and 26, and closed only on Christmas Day. This means:

• Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks will be open
• ATMs will function normally
• Online banking services available
• Federal Reserve wire transfers operational

Postal Services

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will maintain regular operations on Christmas Eve:

• Post offices open for retail transactions (check local hours)
• Regular mail delivery continues
• Blue collection boxes serviced at scheduled times
• Priority Mail Express delivered in limited areas

Retail Stores and Restaurants

Major private retailers have announced they will follow traditional holiday schedules, meaning most will be open on Christmas Eve:

Who Actually Gets Christmas Eve Off?

The impact of the executive order is limited primarily to federal employees, creating a two-tier system of holiday observance:

Federal Employees (Approximately 2.1 Million Workers)

Most federal executive branch employees receive the day off with pay. However, the executive order clarifies that certain employees may still need to report for duty for "national security, defense or other public need" at agency discretion.

State and Local Government Employees

This varies significantly by jurisdiction:

• Oklahoma: State employees receive both Dec 24 and 25 off
• California: Follows federal holiday schedule
• Texas: Variable by agency, many remain open
• New York: State offices typically open Christmas Eve

Private Sector Workers

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, only about 26% of private industry workers receive paid time off on Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday. This typically includes:

• Large corporations (500+ employees): 42% offer PTO
• Medium businesses (50-499 employees): 28% offer PTO
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Historical Context: Presidential Holiday Precedent

President Trump's 2025 order follows a well-established tradition of presidents granting extra time off around major holidays, particularly Christmas and New Year's. However, this marks the first time in recent years that two additional days were granted.

The Legislative Process for Permanent Holidays

For Christmas Eve to become a permanent federal holiday, it would need to follow the same legislative path as Juneteenth, which became the 11th (now 12th) federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Steps to Permanent Holiday Status:

1. Congressional Introduction: Bill must be introduced in House and Senate
2. Committee Review: Must pass through relevant committees
3. Floor Votes: Requires majority votes in both chambers
4. Presidential Signature: President must sign into law
5. OPM Implementation: Office of Personnel Management issues guidelines

The Juneteenth legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law just one day before the holiday was first observed in 2021. The process took approximately six months from initial bill introduction to final passage.

Economic Impact of Extended Holiday Closure

The extended federal government shutdown, even for just two additional days, carries significant economic implications:

Federal Workforce Productivity

• 2.1 million federal employees receive paid time off
• Estimated cost: $430 million in paid wages (based on average federal salary of $102,000)
• Delayed services: Passport processing, VA claims, IRS assistance

Private Sector Operations

While federal offices close, private businesses must weigh the cost of closing versus staying open:

• Retail: Typically generate 10-15% of daily revenue on Christmas Eve
• Restaurants: High foot traffic, especially for takeout orders
• Healthcare: Essential services must remain fully staffed
• Transportation: Airports, trains, buses operate on holiday schedules

Practical Guidance for Workers and Employers

For Federal Employees

Check with your agency's HR department to confirm your specific office closure status. Essential personnel should receive prior notification if required to work.

For Private Sector Employees

• Check your employee handbook: Look for holiday policies
• Communicate with HR: Confirm PTO policies for Dec 24
• Review state laws: Some states have specific holiday pay requirements
• Retail/hospitality workers: Expect to work normal or extended hours

For Employers

Private businesses should communicate holiday schedules clearly and in advance:

• Post schedules at least two weeks in advance
• Clarify holiday pay policies (time-and-a-half, PTO usage)
• Consider shortened hours to allow family time
• Plan for increased customer volume if open

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Schedule

While President Trump's executive order provides a welcome extended break for federal employees in 2025, Christmas Eve remains unofficial for the vast majority of American workers. The distinction between temporary executive action and permanent congressional legislation is crucial for understanding who gets time off and why.

For 2026 and beyond, federal employees will need to wait for either another presidential executive order or permanent congressional action to secure Christmas Eve as a guaranteed day off. For now, private sector workers should plan to work or use personal PTO, while enjoying the knowledge that at least some federal services will be operating to keep the country running.