New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting federal workers additional time off around Christmas, declaring Christmas Eve (December 24) and December 26 as federal holidays. The move effectively creates an extended holiday break around Christmas Day, which is already a federal holiday.

The newly declared holidays apply only to federal departments and agencies. Private businesses are not legally required to observe these holidays, though some may choose to offer time off at their discretion.

Trump's order allows agency and department heads to require certain employees to work, depending on operational needs.

While past presidents have occasionally granted federal employees full or half days off ...