President Donald Trump's executive order has transformed the day after Christmas into an official federal holiday, designating Friday, December 26, 2025, as a day off for federal employees and effectively creating a rare five-day weekend for government workers.
The directive has shuttered federal offices across the nation, though the rest of the American economy is operating in a state of partial suspension. Major stock exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq remained open for trading, while banks and financial institutions followed their regular schedules.
Retailers and restaurants largely remained open to capitalize on post-Christmas shopping and dining, with many stores offering significant Boxing Day sales. Grocery stores operated on regular or modified hours depending on the chain and location.
The surprise holiday declaration marks an unusual move in American politics, as December 26 has never traditionally been recognized as a federal holiday. The decision gives federal workers an extended break spanning from Christmas Eve through the weekend, creating one of the longest holiday periods for government employees in recent memory.
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