Christmas 2020: 5 Things To Know About Federal Holiday

As the holiday season approaches, many Americans are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with family and friends. However, for federal employees and individuals who rely on government services, it's essential to know how the holiday will impact their work and daily lives. Here are five things to know about Christmas as a federal holiday.

Christmas is a federal holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on December 25 by Christians around the world. In the United States, Christmas is a public holiday that is typically celebrated with gift-giving, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in festive traditions.

History of Christmas as a Federal Holiday

Christmas has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870, when Congress passed a law making December 25 a national day of celebration. However, it wasn't until 1968 that Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays, including Christmas, to a Monday. This law was intended to create more three-day weekends for American workers and reduce the number of holidays that fell during the workweek.

What Closes on Christmas?

As a federal holiday, Christmas has a significant impact on government services and institutions. Here are some of the things that typically close on Christmas:

Federal offices: All federal offices, including post offices, courts, and government agencies, are closed on Christmas.
Banks: Most banks and financial institutions are closed on Christmas, although some may have special holiday hours.
Schools: Public and private schools are typically closed on Christmas, although some may have special holiday programs or activities.
Libraries: Many public libraries are closed on Christmas, although some may have special holiday hours.
Government services: Many government services, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Social Security offices, are closed on Christmas.

What Remains Open on Christmas?

While many government services and institutions are closed on Christmas, there are still some things that remain open. Here are a few examples:

Retail stores: Many retail stores, including department stores and shopping malls, are open on Christmas, although they may have special holiday hours.
Restaurants: Many restaurants are open on Christmas, although some may have special holiday menus or hours.
Hospitals: Hospitals and emergency services are always open, including on Christmas.
Public transportation: Many public transportation systems, including buses and trains, operate on a reduced schedule on Christmas.
Gas stations: Many gas stations are open on Christmas, although some may have special holiday hours.

How Does Christmas Affect Mail Delivery?

Christmas can have a significant impact on mail delivery, especially for those who rely on the United States Postal Service (USPS) for package delivery. Here are a few things to know about mail delivery on Christmas:

USPS offices: All USPS offices are closed on Christmas, although some may have special holiday hours.
Mail delivery: There is no mail delivery on Christmas, although some packages may be delivered on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas.
Package delivery: Many package delivery services, including UPS and FedEx, offer special holiday delivery options, including Christmas Day delivery in some areas.

Conclusion

Christmas is a federal holiday that has a significant impact on government services and institutions. While many things close on Christmas, there are still some things that remain open, including retail stores, restaurants, and hospitals. Whether you're a federal employee, a student, or just someone who loves to celebrate the holiday season, it's essential to know how Christmas will affect your daily life.

Gallery of Christmas

Is Christmas a federal holiday?

Yes, Christmas is a federal holiday in the United States. It is observed on December 25 and is typically celebrated with gift-giving, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in festive traditions.

What closes on Christmas?

Many government services and institutions are closed on Christmas, including federal offices, post offices, courts, and government agencies. Some banks and financial institutions may also be closed, although some may have special holiday hours.

What remains open on Christmas?

Many retail stores, restaurants, and hospitals are open on Christmas, although some may have special holiday hours. Public transportation systems may also operate on a reduced schedule.