Trump Named Two New Federal Holidays. Will You Get Them Off?
As the holiday season approaches, some workers are in for a longer break than usual.
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order declaring Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26) as federal holidays for this year. While this additional time off primarily affects federal employees, it means that many government offices will be closed from Wednesday through Friday, giving workers a two-day workweek.
These temporary closures are not uncommon, with similar executive orders issued in previous years by both Trump and former President Barack Obama. However, it’s important to note that this move does not permanently add these days to the federal holiday calendar, as it would require an act of Congress to do so.
Unlike federal employees, workers in the private sector are not legally entitled to time off or increased holiday pay on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. While some employers may choose to offer these benefits, the short notice between the announcement and the holidays makes it unlikely that many will do so.
Will Banks and the Post Office Be Open?
For those wondering about the operating hours of banks and the post office during this time, rest assured that both will be open for business. The U.S. Postal Service will be delivering mail on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, with post offices remaining open. Banks will also be operating as usual on these days, with closures only on Christmas Day.
What About Private Retailers?
Unlike federal agencies, private businesses are not required to follow the federal holiday schedule. This means that store hours will vary depending on the retailer and location. Many major national retailers typically close early on Christmas Eve, so it’s advisable to check with your local store for holiday hours before heading out.
Some examples of major retailers and their operating hours around Christmas include Walmart, Target, and Costco, all of which will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. Walgreens and CVS stores are also expected to remain open with modified hours on Christmas Day.
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