The Biden administration has issued an executive order declaring December 24, 2024, as a federal holiday, allowing all government employees a day off to celebrate Christmas Eve. This decision follows a broader trend towards increasing paid time off during holidays for workers across various sectors. The executive order was signed on December 19, 2024, stating that all executive departments and agencies will close, thus impacting all federal operations for the day. President Biden emphasized, “The holiday season is a time for family and joy, and this year, we recognize the importance of giving our federal employees more time to celebrate.”
Some businesses have already responded to the upcoming holiday changes. Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, are expected to adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, with many opting to close earlier to allow employees time with their families. Walmart noted that they would close their stores by 6 PM, a shift designed to acknowledge the growing demand from both customers and employees for more holiday flexibility.
Further analyzing the impact of Christmas Eve as a holiday, various states are also considering similar adjustments. According to a report by the Texas State Historical Association, paid time off is becoming more prevalent, with several state governments looking to enhance work-life balance.
In addition, other organizations such as the National Retail Federation have commented on how this federal holiday could influence consumer shopping habits leading into Christmas. NRF’s Linda Dempsey remarked, “While many consumers are likely to shop in the days leading up to Christmas, we encourage families to prioritize time spent together.”
This expansion of the holiday observance has sparked discussions amongst workers’ rights advocates, who view it as a positive step towards valuing employee well-being during the season of giving. Trisha Jacobs from the Employee Rights Advocacy Group praised the decision, stating, “We need more recognition of the need for work-life balance, especially around the holidays. This is one step towards making that happen.”
