India, Dec. 19 -- President Donald Trump has issued an executive order declaring Christmas Eve (December 24) and the day after Christmas (December 26) as days off for most federal employees, effectively granting an extended holiday break around Christmas this year.

This will give a four-day break for many government workers, amid broader political and morale-boosting efforts following a prolonged government shutdown earlier this year.

However, as opposed to media coverage reporting it as "federal holidays", the holidays only apply for the year 2025 and are not a permanent addition to the official federal holiday calendar.

According to Trump's directive, most federal offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, giving civil servants a multi...