On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting federal employees an extended holiday break by designating Wednesday, December 24, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as paid days off. This decision creates a five-day holiday period for many government workers, as Christmas Day falls on a Thursday this year.
According to the executive order, “All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the day before and the day following Christmas Day, respectively.” This arrangement allows federal employees to enjoy a continuous holiday weekend following Christmas.
It is not uncommon for U.S. presidents to grant federal employees either Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas off, but providing two full days off as part of the holiday week is relatively rare. Last year, President Joe Biden gave federal workers a day off on Christmas Eve, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to giving federal employees time to relax and celebrate with their families.
This executive order represents a thoughtful gesture towards federal employees, promoting work-life balance and giving them the opportunity to recharge during the holiday season. As the end of the year approaches, this extended break is sure to be welcomed by many workers, allowing them to spend quality time with loved ones and celebrate the festive occasions without the added pressure of returning to work immediately after the holidays.