Christmas Day 2021: What To Know About Federal Holiday

Christmas Day, observed on December 25, is a significant federal holiday in the United States. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is traditionally a day for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the festive season.

In the United States, Christmas Day is a federal holiday, which means that it is a public holiday observed by all federal agencies, including federal offices, courts, and banks. This also means that many businesses, schools, and organizations close on Christmas Day, giving employees a well-deserved break.

History of Christmas Day as a Federal Holiday

Christmas Day has a long history, dating back to the early Christian church. The holiday was initially celebrated on January 6, which is now known as Epiphany, but over time, the date was moved to December 25. The exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown, but December 25 was chosen to coincide with the existing Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated from December 17 to 23.

In 1870, Congress passed a law making Christmas Day a federal holiday in the District of Columbia. The law was later extended to all federal agencies in 1888. Today, Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed federal holidays in the United States.

What is Open and What is Closed on Christmas Day?

While many businesses and organizations close on Christmas Day, some essential services and establishments remain open. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Federal offices: Closed
• State and local offices: Closed
• Banks: Closed
• Schools: Closed
• Post offices: Closed
• Stock market: Closed
• Retail stores: Most are closed, but some may have special holiday hours
• Restaurants: Some may be open, but with limited hours
• Gas stations: Most are open
• Hospitals and emergency services: Open
• Public transportation: Limited service

Traditions and Activities on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a time for celebration and merriment. Here are some popular traditions and activities:

• Gift-giving: Exchanging gifts with family and friends is a beloved tradition on Christmas Day.
• Decorating the tree: Many people decorate their Christmas trees with ornaments, lights, and garlands.
• Cooking a festive meal: Traditional Christmas foods include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
• Singing carols: Gathering around the piano or fireplace to sing Christmas carols is a popular activity.
• Watching holiday movies: Classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" are holiday staples.
• Spending time with loved ones: Christmas Day is a time to reconnect with family and friends.

Fun Facts About Christmas Day

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas Day:

• The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English phrase "Cristes Maesse," which means "Christ's Mass."
• The tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day originated with the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
• The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany in the 19th century.
• The highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time is "Home Alone," which was released in 1990.
• The most popular Christmas song of all time is "White Christmas," written by Irving Berlin in 1940.

Conclusion

Christmas Day is a special holiday that brings people together and celebrates the values of love, kindness, and generosity. Whether you're spending time with family and friends or enjoying solo activities, Christmas Day is a time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the festive season.

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of Christmas Day and its significance in the United States. From its history to its traditions and activities, Christmas Day is a holiday that has something for everyone.

Gallery of Christmas Day Celebrations

Gallery of Christmas Day 2021: What To Know About Federal Holiday