President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order, declaring Christmas Eve on 24/12 and 26/12 as federal holidays.

This order applies to federal employees at government agencies. Some employees may still be required to work, depending on the discretion of agency heads. Private businesses can choose to grant employees time off, but are not mandated to do so.

The executive order is only effective for this year. To designate a day as a permanent federal holiday requires congressional approval and the president's signature. This last occurred in 2021, when the administration of Joe Biden recognized 19/6 (Juneteenth – commemorating the end of slavery) as a federal holiday.

President Trump speaks at the White House on 17/12. Photo: *AFP*.

26/12 falls on a friday, meaning many US federal employees will enjoy an extended weekend. In 2014, Barack Obama also declared 26/12, which fell on a friday, a federal holiday. President Trump similarly did so in 2019 and 2020.

Government offices may close, but banks, post offices, and retail systems generally remain open.

The US Postal Service (USPS) announced it would be open on 24 and 26/12. The Federal Reserve stated that banks would follow their normal schedules and would be open on 24 and 26/12, closing only on Christmas Day. Major private retailers like Walmart and Costco also adhere to the traditional rule of closing only on 25/12.

By Duc Trung (Based on *USA Today*, *NBC News*, *AP*)