Hey folks! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here. Today we’re tackling a question that pops up every time a new holiday rolls around: How do holidays actually get created or changed? Whether you’re wondering why we suddenly get Juneteenth off or why some states have different days off than others, I’ve got the breakdown for you!

Who Actually Gets to Decide Our Days Off?

Let’s start with the big picture. In the U.S., there’s no single “holiday czar” making these decisions. It’s actually a mix of different groups:
• Federal government (for national holidays like Memorial Day)
• State legislatures (for local observances)
• Presidential proclamation (for special one-time observances)
• Congress (when creating permanent new holidays)

The most recent example? Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021. That took an act of Congress and the president’s signature.

The Step-by-Step Holiday Creation Process

Creating a new holiday isn’t as simple as declaring “Let’s have a day off!” Here’s how it typically goes down:
1. Public or political push: Either grassroots movements or politicians identify a cause worth celebrating (like MLK Day back in the 80s).
2. Legislation introduced: A bill gets drafted specifying the date, name, and whether it’s a day off for federal workers.
3. Committee review: The bill gets studied (often for years!) to consider economic impacts and cultural significance.
4. Voting: Both House and Senate must approve, then the president signs.
5. Implementation: Even after becoming law, it takes time for businesses and schools to adapt.

Why Changing Existing Holidays Gets Messy

You might think moving Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day would be simple, but oh boy – it’s complicated! States and cities can choose to:
• Keep the original holiday
• Rename it completely
• Celebrate both simultaneously
• Ignore it entirely

This explains why your cousin in Vermont might have different days off than you in Texas. Local governments and even private businesses have surprising flexibility in how they observe (or don’t observe) holidays.

Special Cases: Presidential Power Plays

Here’s a fun fact: Presidents can declare one-time holidays without Congress! These are usually:
• National days of observance (not days off)
• Memorial periods after tragedies
• Celebration of special events (like championship wins)

But these don’t create permanent days off. For that, we’re back to needing Congress to act.

The Money Factor Behind Holiday Decisions

Nobody likes to admit it, but economics plays a huge role. Creating a new federal holiday costs billions in:
• Lost productivity
• Overtime pay for essential workers
• Government office closures

This is why proposals like “Election Day holiday” face such stiff opposition despite popular support.

So there you have it, friends! Whether it’s creating Juneteenth or debating what to call October’s holiday, the process involves history, politics, and yes – lots of bureaucracy. The next time you enjoy that extra day off, you’ll know exactly how many hoops had to be jumped through to make it happen!

FAQpro Thanks for reading! Now you’re basically a holiday policy expert. Got more questions about how specific holidays came to be? Hit us up – your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help navigate the crazy world of days off!