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Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and the day after Christmas (Dec. 26) will be temporary federal holidays, giving some workers an extra break during the holiday week. President Trump signed an executive order declaring these days federal holidays for 2025 only. This means federal government offices will be closed, but private businesses can decide whether to give employees time off.

Temporary holiday orders are not new, past presidents have done this for certain days around Christmas. To make a holiday permanent, Congress must pass a law and the president must sign it, as was done for Juneteenth in 2021. Most workplaces outside the federal government follow the standard federal holiday schedule, so not all workers will get extra days off.

The Federal Reserve says banks will operate on their usual schedule, staying open on Dec. 24 and 26, and closing only on Christmas Day. Post offices will remain open for retail services, and mail delivery will continue as usual on both days.