### Trump Extends Holiday Cheer: Christmas Eve and December 26 Declared Federal Holidays In a significant move to enhance the holiday experience for federal employees, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring Christmas Eve (December 24) and the day after Christmas (December 26) as official federal holidays for 2025. This decision means that most government offices will be closed on these days, allowing many federal workers to enjoy an extended holiday break. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm, as it marks a rare occasion where both days surrounding Christmas are recognized as holidays, providing a five-day weekend for many employees [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/us/news/christmas-day-2025-check-whats-open-whats-closed-across-us-on-dec-2425-10287570][https://www.blackenterprise.com/santa-trump-declares-christmas-eve-dec-26-as-federal-holidays]. ### Breakdown of the Executive Order and Its Implications 1. **Holiday Designation**: - Christmas Eve and December 26 are now officially recognized as federal holidays, closing most government offices [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2025/12/19/did-trump-make-christmas-eve-a-federal-holiday-what-to-know/87842364007]. 2. **Impact on Federal Employees**: - The executive order provides federal workers with two additional paid holidays, extending their time off during the Christmas season [https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/12/18/merry-christmas-president-trump-federal-employees-christmas-holidays]. 3. **Exceptions and Essential Services**: - While most federal offices will be closed, essential services will remain operational to ensure public safety [https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/trump-orders-closure-federal-offices-dec-24-dec-26-519]. 4. **Public Reaction and Future Considerations**: - The announcement has been positively received, with many expressing gratitude for the extended break. However, questions remain about whether this will become a permanent change in future years [https://www.kens5.com/article/news/nation-world/is-christmas-eve-federal-holiday-what-trump-order-means/507-741497ac-882e-4262-be8d-b88e9bc14325]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Federal Holiday Status**: - The executive order was signed on December 18, 2025, officially designating December 24 and December 26 as federal holidays [https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/12/19/trump-order-two-federal-holidays-christmas-eve/87847137007]. - **Extended Holiday Weekend**: - This decision allows federal employees to enjoy a five-day weekend, as Christmas Day (December 25) is already a federal holiday [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/us/news/christmas-day-2025-check-whats-open-whats-closed-across-us-on-dec-2425-10287570]. - **Public Services**: - Essential services, such as law enforcement and emergency services, will continue to operate during these holidays, ensuring that public safety is maintained [https://www.bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/florida/whats-open-closed-on-christmas-eve-christmas-stock-market-mail]. ### Conclusion: A Festive Change for Federal Workers In summary, President Trump's executive order to declare Christmas Eve and December 26 as federal holidays represents a significant enhancement to the holiday schedule for federal employees. This decision not only provides a rare five-day weekend but also reflects a broader trend of recognizing the importance of work-life balance during the holiday season. 1. **Holiday Designation**: Christmas Eve and December 26 are now federal holidays. 2. **Employee Benefits**: Federal workers gain two additional paid holidays. 3. **Operational Exceptions**: Essential services will remain open during the holidays. 4. **Public Sentiment**: The announcement has been well-received, with discussions about its permanence in future years. This move is a notable gesture towards improving employee morale and acknowledges the festive spirit of the holiday season [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/us/news/christmas-day-2025-check-whats-open-whats-closed-across-us-on-dec-2425-10287570][https://www.blackenterprise.com/santa-trump-declares-christmas-eve-dec-26-as-federal-holidays].