Why Christmas Eve Isn’t a National Holiday
Contrary to some beliefs, Christmas Eve is not a national holiday in most parts of the world. This can leave many wondering why it isn’t given the same recognition as other holidays. Let's delve into the reasoning behind this and explore why it might actually be a good idea to consider making it one.
Understanding the Rationale Behind No National Holiday
The reasoning for not making Christmas Eve a national holiday often hinges on its nature and purpose. Unlike true holy days, Christmas Eve is not primarily associated with religious observance. It is often seen as a time of preparation and excitement in anticipation of the main celebration the following day.
In the context of work schedules, Christmas Eve is typically treated as a regular workday. Traditionally, people are assumed to work from 9 to 5 on weekdays, and an "eve" refers to an evening, which means activities associated with that time (like preparation for Christmas) are not considered part of a holiday. Thus, the day is not set aside for rest or celebration out of the ordinary.
The Consequences of Not Designating It as a Holiday
The lack of a national holiday can pose several challenges. Some home cooks like me find themselves pulling double shifts, preparing meals for family gatherings while simultaneously dealing with the normal demands of work and daily life. For example, the author mentions, 'I had 14 people come for Christmas eve minutes after I got home.' This highlights the reality that despite being a day of preparation, it is not officially a day off.
This issue can extend to those who travel home for the holiday. As noted, many people are hosting or traveling on Christmas Eve. The lack of an official holiday can mean stressed families trying to coordinate plans around a normal workday schedule. It also means that businesses remain open, which can detract from the spirit of the holiday for those who prefer to have some personal time to relax and prepare.
The Case for Making Christmas Eve a Holiday
While it is true that a lot of people already have more flexible schedules on Christmas Eve due to early closures of stores and businesses, the case can be made for treating it as a proper holiday. Similar to the birthday example, having a holiday on Christmas Eve could benefit everyone by ensuring that it is officially recognized and therefore given the respect it deserves. Some cities and some specific businesses already treat it as a holiday, allowing employees to spend more time with their families or engage in other holiday traditions without the constraints of work.
For instance, as noted, 'there are lots of places that DO treat Christmas Even as a holiday of sorts closing early so their employees get to go home and spend time with family or enjoy other holiday traditions instead of staying open regular or even extended holiday shopping hours.' If more businesses and employers were to follow this practice, it could significantly enhance the experience of the holiday for many.
Conclusion
While Christmas Eve, as an evening, is not officially recognized as a national holiday in most places, its recognition as a time of preparation and celebration is undeniable. Whether it is through early closures of businesses or simply acknowledging it as a day off, the shift to officially recognizing Christmas Eve could bring significant benefits in terms of family time and holiday traditions. As mentioned, Ebenezer Scrooge would approve!
Overall, there is a strong case for considering Christmas Eve as a holiday, recognizing its importance in the overall Christmas celebration without disrupting business and work schedules.