Federal workers get rare two-day Christmas bonus as Trump signs order for Dec. 24 and 26 holidays, marking departure from typical single-day grants.
Unprecedented Christmas Holiday for Federal Workers
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order granting most federal employees an extended five-day Christmas holiday, including December 24 and December 26, 2025. This move is notable as it marks the first time in recent years that both the day before and the day after Christmas have been granted as additional days off, exceeding the usual single-day holiday grants by previous administrations.
Exceptions and Policy Implementation
The executive order includes provisions for agency heads to maintain operations for critical services related to national security, defense, or other urgent public needs, allowing certain offices to remain open. The order also clarifies that these additional days off will be treated as federal holidays concerning employee pay and leave regulations, ensuring proper compensation and benefits.
Historical Context of Holiday Grants
This grant of two extra holiday days contrasts with recent history; former President Joe Biden granted Christmas Eve off last year, and President Trump himself granted Christmas Eve off in his first term (2018-2020). Comparatively, when Christmas fell on a Thursday in 2014, President Barack Obama only granted December 26th off, making Trump's current two-day grant around Christmas a more extensive benefit.
