President Donald Trump’s recent executive order has turned the post-Christmas slump into an official extension of the holiday season, designating Friday, Dec. 26, as a federal holiday. While his directive has effectively shuttered federal offices for a rare five-day weekend, the rest of the economy is operating in a state of partial suspension, leading to a confusing situation about who, exactly, is back to business today.
Trump’s executive order, signed last week, closed executive departments and agencies on both Christmas Eve and today, Dec. 26. However, unlike statutory holidays established by Congress (like Christmas Day itself), this presidential decree applies strictly to the executive branch of the federal government. It does not legally bind the private sector, states, or even independent federal entities like the Postal Service.
“All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the day before and the day following Christmas Day, respectively,” the order says.
So, what does this mean for you? Assuming you’re trying to run errands, manage your finances, or even just visit a local business today, here’s an overview of what’s open and closed.
Government offices
The most direct impact is on federal services. Non-essential federal offices are closed. This includes Social Security Administration field offices, passport agencies, and most administrative government buildings. If you have business with the IRS or need to visit a federal building, you will need to wait until Monday.
Mail and delivery services
Despite the federal closure, the U.S. Postal Service is fully operational today. Since the USPS is an independent establishment largely funded by postage sales rather than tax appropriations, it is not bound by the closures in the same way as other federal agencies. Mail delivery has resumed its normal schedule, and post office counters are open.
Private carriers are also back on the road:
- FedEx is running normal operations, with standard pickup and delivery services active.
- UPS has resumed pickup and delivery services after taking Christmas Day off.
Financial markets
Wall Street is open for business. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have returned to a full trading schedule today after a shortened session on Christmas Eve and a full closure for Christmas Day. Traders are back at their desks expecting a full day of activity.
Banks
The Federal Reserve is open and processing transactions, meaning the backbone of the banking system is active. Consequently, most commercial banks—including major chains like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—are open today.
While some smaller community banks or credit unions might have opted to follow the President’s lead and close, the vast majority of financial institutions are operating normal business hours.
Retail and grocery
For the private sector, Dec. 26 remains one of the busiest shopping days of the year, often referred to as “Boxing Day” in other Commonwealth nations. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are not only open but are likely crowded with customers making returns and hunting for post-holiday clearance deals. Supermarkets and pharmacies are also operating on standard schedules.
In short: If your paycheck comes from a federal executive agency, enjoy your day off. For everyone else—from postal workers to stockbrokers—it is almost certainly back to work.
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