Full Breakdown
Trump Declares Christmas Eve and December 26 as Federal Holidays for 2025
12/23/2025, 10:56:34 AM
Overview of the Executive Order
On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating Christmas Eve (December 24) and December 26 as federal holidays for that year. This order applies specifically to federal employees, allowing them to enjoy an extended holiday break from December 24 through December 26, as Christmas Day is already recognized as a federal holiday. However, the order does not permanently add these dates to the federal holiday calendar, which would require congressional approval.
Implications for Federal Workers
The executive order mandates that all executive departments and agencies of the federal government will be closed on December 24 and December 26, excusing employees from duty. Despite this, agency heads retain the discretion to keep certain offices open for reasons related to national security or public need. As a result, some federal employees may still be required to work on these days.
Impact on Private Sector and Public Services
While federal workers will benefit from the additional days off, private businesses are not obligated to follow this holiday designation. Many private employers, including major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco, will remain open on December 24 and December 26, typically closing only on Christmas Day. The U.S. Postal Service will also operate on these days, providing mail delivery and retail services, but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Historical Context
Temporary holiday designations are not uncommon in the U.S. Presidents have occasionally issued similar orders. For instance, Trump declared Christmas Eve a federal holiday during his first term in 2019 and 2020, and former President Barack Obama did the same for December 26 in 2014. The last permanent addition to the federal holiday calendar was Juneteenth, established in 2021 under President Biden.
Criticism and Opposition
Trump has previously expressed concerns about the number of federal holidays, stating in a May 2025 Truth Social post that the U.S. has "too many non-working holidays." He argued that these holidays cost the country billions of dollars and suggested that the number of holidays should be reduced. This sentiment reflects a broader debate about the balance between work and time off in American culture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty” — President Donald Trump
- “We already have too many Holidays in America,” — President Donald Trump
Conclusion
President Trump's executive order to declare Christmas Eve and December 26 as federal holidays for 2025 provides federal employees with an extended holiday break. However, the impact on private sector employees will vary, as businesses are not required to observe these days as holidays. The order reflects ongoing discussions about the nature of federal holidays and their implications for American workers.
