Bush gives feds extra Christmas holiday

President Bush on Thursday ordered executive branch agencies to close on Monday, Dec. 24, giving most federal employees a four-day Christmas weekend.

Agency heads still have the authority to order some essential employees to their posts on the day after Christmas, according to Bush's executive order.

Historically, presidents have granted an extra day or half-day of vacation when Christmas falls on a Tuesday or Thursday. Last year, when Christmas fell on a Monday, no extra time off was awarded.

The last time federal employees were granted an extra day off on Dec. 24 was 2001, when Christmas fell on a Tuesday. Since 1956, Christmas has fallen on a Tuesday only seven times. The only presidents not to grant employees the full day off were Ronald Reagan, who allowed supervisors to let workers leave up to three hours early, and George H.W. Bush, who gave employees a half-day off.

Employees were extended an extra day off around the holidays earlier this year, though the extra time was not holiday-related. President Bush closed government agencies on Jan. 2 to observe the death of former President Gerald Ford.

Federal employees may also be in line to receive an additional day off at Christmas next year. Because 2008 is a leap year, Christmas falls on a Thursday.

Now, how about an extra day at New Year's Eve, which also falls on a Monday? Don't hold your breath. The last time feds got an extra day at New Year's was in 1973, when President Nixon gave employees a full day off on Dec. 31. Christmas and New Year's Day both fell on a Tuesday that year, too.