Some American government employees will have a longer vacation this year. In the order, US President Donald Trump declared that Christmas Eve and December 26 will be official holidays this year, which means that federal departments and agencies will be closed, reports "Yahoo News".
As noted in the order, agencies can require certain employees to work on these dates if it is necessary for national security or other public needs. The order also does not change any existing laws. In order to designate a permanent official holiday – which is already Christmas – Congress must pass a law, which the president must then sign.
It is common for presidents to declare Christmas Eve a holiday depending on what day of the week it falls on to extend the holiday break. President Trump did this during his first term in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and former President Joe Biden will do the same in 2024.