On Thursday, October 19, 2024, President Joe Biden announced that federal agencies across the country will close on Christmas Eve, providing federal workers with an additional day off before the Christmas holiday. This announcement, delivered via an executive order signed by the president, offers federal employees a welcome respite during the festive season.
Executive Order Declares December 24 a Holiday
The White House confirmed the announcement through the signed executive order, as reported by USA Today. The order states:
“All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed, and their employees excused from duty on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the day before Christmas Day.”
Although this designation grants most federal workers a day off, it does not apply universally. Essential government operations related to national security, defense, and other public needs will continue to function as required. Employees in these critical sectors must still report to duty.
A First for Biden’s Administration
This marks the first time President Biden has designated Christmas Eve as a federal holiday during his presidency. While eagerly anticipated by federal employees annually, such orders vary depending on the administration. Biden’s executive order reflects his administration’s approach to employee recognition during the holiday season.
A Presidential Tradition: Handling December 24
Unlike Christmas Day, which is recognized as a federal holiday, Christmas Eve does not have automatic holiday status. The decision to close federal offices on December 24 rests with the sitting president, leading to varying approaches across administrations.
Comparative Presidential Decisions
- Donald Trump: During his first term, President Trump designated Christmas Eve as a holiday in 2018, 2019, and 2020, allowing federal employees extra time for holiday preparations.
- Barack Obama: President Obama took a different route, granting federal workers a holiday on December 26, 2014, instead of Christmas Eve.
- George W. Bush: Former President Bush also declared December 24 a holiday multiple times during his tenure.
The flexibility in these decisions underscores the unique role each administration plays in shaping the federal holiday calendar.
Congressional Budget Challenges Amid Holiday Announcement
President Biden’s declaration comes during a period of heightened tension in Washington as Congress works to address critical budgetary issues. Efforts to pass a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown have faced significant challenges. A three-month continuing resolution, initially proposed as a temporary measure, collapsed on Wednesday after facing opposition from figures such as former President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
With federal funding hanging in the balance, Biden’s executive order adds a moment of reprieve for government employees during a challenging legislative period.
Past Presidential Approaches to Christmas Eve
| President | Year(s) Christmas Eve Was a Holiday | Alternative Holiday Designations |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | 2018, 2019, 2020 | None |
| Barack Obama | None | December 26, 2014 |
| George W. Bush | Multiple Years | None |
| Joe Biden (2024) | 2024 | None |
This announcement not only highlights the holiday spirit but also exemplifies the varying traditions established by U.S. presidents regarding Christmas Eve.
FAQs
Is Christmas Eve now a permanent federal holiday?
No, Christmas Eve is not a permanent federal holiday. Its designation as a holiday depends on the decision of the sitting president each year.
Will all federal employees have the day off on December 24, 2024?
Not all federal employees will be off on Christmas Eve. Essential workers in areas like national security, defense, and public services are still required to report to work.
How often do presidents declare Christmas Eve as a holiday?
The decision varies by administration. Some presidents, like Donald Trump, declared it a holiday consistently, while others, like Barack Obama, designated alternative dates around Christmas.
