NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 15: The numerals '17' arrive in Times Square ahead of the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, December 15, 2016 in New York City. The '17' numerals will be part of the '2017' sign that will light up light up above Times Square at midnight on December 31 to ring in the new year. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Is New Year’s Eve a federal holiday? No. But New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, meaning that you’ll have the day off to rest and recover from the New Year’s Eve festivities.
What defines a federal holiday? According to our government, a federal holiday is an authorized holiday which has been recognized by the US government in which federal government offices are closed for the day while the employees still receive pay. So, while New Year’s Day isn’t going to be necessarily a paid day off, most people have the day off… or at least can cut out a bit early.
What Holidays Are Recognized As Federal Holidays?
There are currently 11 holidays that Congress has designated as being federal holidays.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday (Third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (First Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Congress created federal holidays for federal organizations and institutions in order for their employees to get their days off.
What Makes New Year’s Eve A Federal Holiday?
New Year’s Eve has been celebrated throughout all of history, with its observance going as far back as ancient Mesopotamian times. They definitely didn’t wait in Times Square for a mechanical ball to drop, but I bet that the people back in ancient times were smart enough to know that they could enjoy a few beverages while ringing in the New Year.
Before New Year’s Eve was devoted to a night of celebration and debauchery, it actually had a little bit of religious purpose. In past Christianity, you would typically reserve this night for making confessions and then praying for all the things you wanted or what you were going to do in the New Year or whatever, but since not everybody cares for that stuff, they decided that this night should be a night of partying. Everybody celebrates this holiday in some way or another but, for the most part, there is one thing that everybody seems to do on this day, and that is drink, drink, and drink. Everybody is on the same page in that the end of a year is a perfect time to get wavy.
Another common thing to see amongst New Year’s Eve celebrations is shooting off fireworks, as well as making New Year’s resolutions. I’ve tried the whole resolution thing but honestly you end up crapping out of it by the third week of January so yeah I usually have a really healthy three weeks of living. Maybe I just need more discipline. Hope y’all liked this little bit of history and have a happy New Year! And if you’re like me and think you don’t have enough discipline for a New Year’s resolution, just remember disciprine come from within.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLPUnTw4-1Q
