Knowing if today is a holiday is essential for planning, scheduling, and simply enjoying a day off. Federal holidays in the United States are established by law and dictate holidays for federal employees. These dates often influence holiday observances for state and local governments, as well as private businesses. However, it’s important to confirm with your specific employer or local government for accurate holiday information.
Federal holidays are typically observed on Mondays if the actual holiday date falls on a weekend. This ensures a three-day weekend for federal workers and often influences other organizations’ holiday schedules. For example, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually observed as the holiday.
Some well-known federal holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (often referred to as Presidents’ Day), Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. While the names of these holidays are consistent at the federal level, variations may exist in other contexts. For instance, Washington’s Birthday is legally designated as such for federal employees, though other institutions might use different names like Presidents’ Day.
Certain holidays, like Inauguration Day, have specific observance rules. Inauguration Day is a federal holiday for employees in the Washington, D.C. area on January 20th every four years when a new president is sworn in.
Understanding the rules for observing federal holidays when they fall on a weekend is crucial for accurate scheduling. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is generally treated as the holiday for pay and leave purposes for federal employees.
Federal law specifically designates the names of holidays, and it’s important to use the official designations when referring to them in official contexts. This ensures clarity and consistency, especially in legal or governmental communications. While variations in names might be common in casual conversation, adhering to the official names is crucial for formal usage. For instance, referring to Washington’s Birthday as Presidents’ Day in a federal document would be technically incorrect.
It’s important to consult reliable sources for accurate and up-to-date holiday information. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides detailed information on federal holidays, including any adjustments for weekend observances. Referring to the OPM’s official resources guarantees accurate information and clarifies any confusion regarding holiday observances.
