How National Holidays Are Created: The Behind-the-Scenes Process You Never Knew

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to guide for all things celebrations—Holiday Little Assistant. Today, we’re diving into a question that’s crossed everyone’s mind at least once: How does a day even become a national holiday? Whether you’re daydreaming about a new day off or just curious about the process, let’s break it down together.

So, How *Does* a National Holiday Get Created?

It’s not as simple as wishing for a three-day weekend (if only!). In the U.S., national holidays—aka federal holidays—are officially recognized only after Congress passes a law, and the President signs it. Here’s the step-by-step scoop:

1. **The Proposal**: It usually starts with an idea—maybe to honor a historical event (like Juneteenth) or a group (hello, Labor Day). Advocacy groups, lawmakers, or even passionate citizens push for it.
2. **Bill Drafting**: A member of Congress introduces a bill proposing the holiday. For example, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee championed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
3. **Committee Review**: The bill goes to a committee (often Judiciary or Oversight), where it’s debated. Critics might argue about costs (federal holidays mean paid leave for gov’t employees).
4. **Voting**: If the committee approves, the full House and Senate vote. Passing requires majority support in both.
5. **Presidential Approval**: Once Congress says “yes,” the President signs it into law—or vetoes it (rare for holidays, but possible).
6. **Implementation**: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) updates the federal holiday calendar, and voilà—new day off!

Why Don’t We Have More Holidays?

Great question! The U.S. only has 11 federal holidays, way fewer than some countries (looking at you, Cambodia with 28!). Why? Money and momentum. Each holiday costs billions in lost productivity and wages. Plus, building consensus takes years. Juneteenth, for instance, was celebrated locally for over a century before becoming federal in 2021.

Can States Create Their Own Holidays?

Absolutely! States can declare holidays that aren’t federal—like Native American Day in South Dakota or Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts. These apply to state workers and schools, but private employers don’t have to observe them. Pro tip: Check your state’s calendar for extra long weekends!

Fun Fact: The Weirdest Holiday Proposals

Over the years, lawmakers have proposed some wild holidays, like:
– **National Procrastination Day** (ironically, it never gained traction).
– **National Thank a Mailman Day** (shout-out to postal workers!).
Most fizzle out, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.

To sum it up: Creating a national holiday takes legal muscle, public support, and time. While we might not get a “National Pizza Day” off anytime soon (sigh), now you know how the magic happens!

Faqpro Thanks for hanging out with me, folks! Hope this spills the tea on how holidays are born. Got another burning question? Hit me up—I’m always here to nerd out about celebrations.