FEDERAL & DISTRICT EMPLOYEES GET HALF-DAY HOLIDAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 12, 1923, The Evening Star reports "Federal and District employees of the District of Columbia will have half a holiday the day before Christmas."
President Calvin Coolidge, following a traditional yearly custom, signed an Executive Order, which states...
"It is hereby ordered that beginning at 9 a.m. on December 24, 1923, four hours, exclusive of time for luncheon, shall constitute a days work for all clerks and other employees..."
JFK+50 NOTE
Presidents traditionally grant half days off on Christmas Eve for federal employees when Christmas is on a Wednesday or Friday but "typically" don't grant time off if it falls on a Monday, as it does in 2023. In 2019, President Donald J. Trump broke with tradition & granted federal employees a full day off on Christmas Eve.
SOURCES
"Feds are unlikely to get an extra day off at Christmas," Government Executive, December 8, 2023, www.govexec.com/
"President Signs Order for Half Holiday in D.C.", The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 12, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
