President Donald Trump has once again found himself at the center of debate after signing an executive order that temporarily expands the federal holiday calendar for 2025. Just days before Christmas, Trump approved Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26) as federal holidays, giving millions of federal workers an extended holiday break. The decision has drawn attention not only because of its timing, but also because it appears to contradict Trump’s own past statements claiming the United States already has too many non-working holidays.
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What Trump’s Holiday Order Really Does for Federal Workers
Trump’s executive order, signed on Dec. 18, applies only to federal government departments and agencies for the 2025 calendar year. By declaring Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 as federal holidays, the administration effectively created a five-day stretch around Christmas for many government employees, with Christmas Day already recognized as a permanent federal holiday.
That said, the order does not guarantee time off for every federal worker. Agency heads retain the authority to require essential employees to report to duty if operational needs demand it. This flexibility is standard in similar holiday proclamations issued by previous presidents, especially during the winter season when staffing challenges often arise.
Why Most Americans Will See Little Change
Despite the headlines, the majority of Americans will not experience any difference in their holiday schedules. Federal holidays are not legally binding for private businesses, banks, or retailers, and most are expected to continue operating as usual outside of Christmas Day itself. Banks, following guidance from the Federal Reserve, will remain open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, closing only on Dec. 25. The U.S. Postal Service will suspend mail delivery on Christmas Day but continue operations on the surrounding dates. Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Costco are sticking to their traditional approach of closing only on Dec. 25, with reduced or normal hours on Christmas Eve and the following day. For official confirmation, agencies like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov), the Federal Reserve (federalreserve.gov), and the U.S. Postal Service (usps.com) publish verified holiday schedules each year.
Temporary vs Permanent Federal Holidays Explained
While presidents have the authority to grant one-time holidays through executive orders, creating a permanent federal holiday requires legislation passed by Congress and signed into law. The most recent example of this process was Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden. Trump’s decision follows a historical pattern. In 2014, President Barack Obama declared Dec. 26 a federal holiday when Christmas fell on a Thursday.
Federal Holidays in 2025 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent federal holidays | 11 recognized nationwide |
| Overlapping holidays | 2 fell on the same date |
| Temporary holidays added | Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 (2025 only) |
| Total recognized federal holidays | 12 |
Trump’s Past Criticism of America’s Holiday Culture
What makes this announcement particularly striking is Trump’s long-standing criticism of what he calls an excessive number of holidays in the United States. Throughout 2025, Trump repeatedly argued on Truth Social that too many non-working holidays hurt productivity and cost the economy billions of dollars. He has also claimed that workers themselves would rather earn wages than take additional days off. On Juneteenth, Trump reiterated that the country was heading toward “a holiday for every once working day of the year,” a statement that drew widespread attention.
Why Trump Likely Approved the Extra Days Anyway
Political analysts suggest the decision was driven more by timing and tradition than ideology. When holidays fall midweek, federal agencies often experience higher absenteeism as employees take leave. Granting official time off can improve morale, reduce administrative disruptions, and align government operations with workforce realities during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Christmas Eve now a permanent federal holiday?
No. Christmas Eve is a federal holiday only for 2025 and only for federal agencies. It will not automatically apply in future years.
Does this mean private companies must close on Dec. 24 or Dec. 26?
No. Private employers are not required by law to observe federal holidays and can decide their own schedules.
Will federal employees automatically get both days off?
Not necessarily. Agency leaders can require essential staff to work if needed.
Why didn’t Trump make these holidays permanent?
Only Congress can create permanent federal holidays. The president can issue temporary holiday orders but cannot make them permanent without legislation.
Could this happen again in future years?
Yes. A future president could issue a similar executive order, or Congress could choose to act, but nothing has been approved beyond 2025.
