Unveiling the History- When Christmas Day Was Declared a Federal Holiday in the United States
When was Christmas Day declared a federal holiday? This question may seem simple, but the history behind it is quite fascinating. Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th each year, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. However, the journey to its recognition as a national holiday was a long and winding road, involving various cultural, political, and religious factors. Let’s delve into the intriguing story of how Christmas Day became a federal holiday in the United States.
The tradition of celebrating Christmas dates back to the early Christian era. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Christmas began to gain widespread popularity in the United States. The holiday was initially embraced by the country’s predominantly Christian population, who celebrated it with religious fervor. Yet, it was not until the late 19th century that Christmas started to take on a more secular character, with the advent of gift-giving, festive decorations, and family gatherings.
The push for Christmas to be recognized as a federal holiday gained momentum in the late 1860s, primarily due to the efforts of President Ulysses S. Grant. During the Civil War, Christmas was often observed, but it was not a formal federal holiday. In 1868, Grant issued a proclamation urging Americans to celebrate the holiday with “public thanksgiving and Praise.” However, it was not until 1870 that Christmas was officially declared a federal holiday.
The movement to establish Christmas as a federal holiday was supported by various groups, including religious organizations, labor unions, and the retail industry. Religious leaders argued that recognizing Christmas as a federal holiday would help preserve the holiday’s religious significance. Labor unions saw it as an opportunity to give workers a day off, while retailers anticipated increased sales during the holiday season.
The process of declaring Christmas a federal holiday was not without controversy. Some opponents argued that it was an unnecessary expense for the government and that it could lead to a loss of productivity. However, the overwhelming support from the public and various interest groups eventually led to the passage of the bill.
On June 26, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill making Christmas a federal holiday. This marked the first time that Congress had established a federal holiday for a specific religious celebration. The move was seen as a significant step towards national unity and recognition of the holiday’s cultural and historical significance.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “When was Christmas Day declared a federal holiday?” is 1870. The journey to this recognition was a testament to the evolving nature of Christmas in the United States, as well as the power of cultural, political, and religious forces coming together to shape the holiday’s status as a national celebration.
