BREAKING: Two bonus days for Christmas week, and a new plan for your free time. The White House has designated Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 as federal holidays for most federal employees. That means many offices will go dark on Christmas Eve and the day after. It also means you can rethink travel, hobbies, and last minute errands right now. Here is the clear guide on what changes and how to make the most of it.
What the extra holidays mean today
Most federal employees get both days off. Agencies will still keep essential staff on duty. Safety, security, and mission critical work continue. Supervisors will set exact coverage. If you work in law enforcement, healthcare, transportation, or weather services, expect normal or modified shifts.
Federal services that follow federal holidays may pause. Many federal courts and agency counters will be closed. Some public facing operations will reduce hours. Private companies and states will set their own schedules. Do not assume your bank or pharmacy follows the federal calendar.
Essential operations continue. Expect air traffic control, TSA screening, Customs, Border Protection, and weather alerts to stay active.
Make the bonus time count
This is a gift of quiet hours in a busy week. Use it to finish holiday prep, but also to refuel. Think small, meaningful projects that deliver calm and joy.
- Bake a simple family recipe and package extras for neighbors 🎄
- Try a one-sitting craft, like hand-cut gift tags or a paper garland ✂️
- Take a light walk through your city’s holiday lights and shoot photos
- Start a 500 piece puzzle, then leave it out for drop in fun 🧩
- Write five thank you notes to mentors or friends
Pick one anchor activity for each day, then leave space to wander. The best holiday moments are unplanned.
At home
Set a cozy table for brunch. Put phones in a basket for one hour. Play a vinyl record or a holiday playlist. Rotate games on the coffee table. Keep snacks simple, think popcorn, clementines, and hot cocoa. If you live alone, host a virtual tea with one friend. Share a book chapter or a favorite poem.
Outside
Museums run on their own schedules, so check hours. National parks and public lands often keep grounds open, even when visitor centers close. Bundle up, bring a thermos, and walk a short loop. Take three photos that capture light, texture, and color. That small challenge makes any stroll feel fresh.
What stays open, what likely pauses
Likely pauses
Many federal courts will not hold regular sessions. Most agency offices that serve the public, like passport agencies and Social Security field offices, may close for in person service. Expect limited or no appointments.
Likely open or modified
Airports remain open. Screening and flight operations continue. Federal law enforcement and emergency services stay on duty. Weather forecasts and alerts continue. Postal operations may adjust by location. Some processing plants and delivery routes can run on modified schedules. Always check local notices before you wait in line.
Need medicine, documents, or a time sensitive shipment? Handle it today. Holiday closures and winter weather can stack delays.
For federal employees and contractors
If you are a federal employee, these days count as holidays. Agency heads will direct who must report. If you are essential, normal holiday rules apply. That can include premium pay or compensatory time, based on your role and agreement. Telework guidance still applies, unless told otherwise. Expect a quick memo from your agency with details on timekeeping and coverage.
Contractors should follow the contract and the contracting officer’s direction. Some contracts recognize federal holidays, others do not. If a government site is closed and you cannot perform work, communicate with your CO and your company immediately.
Set a clear out of office message, but include a contact for urgent issues. Continuity matters when calendars shift by surprise.
Set yourself up in 10 minutes
- Update your out of office with dates and a backup contact.
- Clear any deadlines that land on the 24th or 26th.
- Confirm travel times and parking, especially at airports.
- Check childcare and pet care plans for the two extra days.
The bottom line
Two surprise holidays can bring calm or chaos. Choose calm. Plan your errands, confirm the few services you need, and then lean into rest. Read a chapter by a window. Cut paper snowflakes with kids. Walk at dusk and look for the first star. Public services will do what they always do, keep the essential gears turning. The rest is a rare pause. Use it well, and let your hobbies turn the volume down on the week.
