Loren Booda said:Do you think our Federal Holidays in the U.S., with 2 during the half-year from March through August, and 8 during that from September through February, could be more effectively timed?
Federal holidays are determined by the federal government and are based on historical and cultural significance. This means that some holidays, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, have been celebrated for centuries and are deeply ingrained in American culture, while others, like Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, were added more recently.
Federal holidays have a significant impact on businesses and the economy. Many businesses close on federal holidays, which can result in lost productivity and revenue. However, some industries, such as retail and hospitality, may see an increase in business during holidays. Additionally, federal holidays often mean increased travel and tourism, which can boost the economy.
The clustering of federal holidays in certain months is mostly due to the historical and cultural significance of those holidays. For example, December is a month with several federal holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Day, because of their religious and traditional importance. Additionally, holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day are placed in the summer months to give workers a break during the busy season.
The decision to add or remove federal holidays is ultimately up to the federal government. There have been proposals to add holidays, such as Election Day and Juneteenth, as federal holidays, but these have not yet been officially approved. The government may also consider removing or consolidating holidays in the future, but this is typically a rare occurrence.
Each country has its own unique way of determining national holidays. Some countries may have a mix of religious, historical, and cultural holidays, while others may have more political or commemorative holidays. Some countries also have regional or local holidays in addition to national holidays. Ultimately, the determination of holidays varies greatly between countries and is influenced by their unique histories and cultures.