Senator Eric Schmitt has introduced legislation to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, citing the challenges American families face celebrating together under the current system.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt is pushing legislation to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, following the practice already established in Canada, Australia, and much of Western Europe.
- According to Schmitt, 81% of Americans celebrate Easter, making it a significant cultural observance rather than a “micro-holiday.”
- The senator argues the holiday would be “Pro-worker, Pro-family, Pro-faith” and could potentially boost the economy by 10%-15%, adding up to $2 billion in economic activity.
- The legislation aims to provide families more time to celebrate together during what Schmitt calls “the holiest day in Christianity.”
- Historically, many American schools gave students time off for both Good Friday and Easter Monday, a tradition that has faded in many districts.
Addressing America’s Easter Celebration Challenge
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) is taking steps to establish Easter Monday as a federal holiday, addressing what he sees as a significant gap in America’s holiday schedule. The proposed legislation would designate the Monday following Easter Sunday as a legal public holiday, providing Americans with a three-day weekend to fully observe and celebrate this important religious occasion. This move would align the United States with numerous other Western nations that already recognize Easter Monday as a public holiday.
Schmitt’s legislation comes at a time when many Americans struggle to balance religious observances with work schedules. Easter, as a floating holiday that can occur anytime between March 22 and April 25, often falls on days when Americans must return to work immediately after the holiday. The proposed bill would create a standardized three-day weekend, allowing families more time to travel, gather, and participate in religious activities.
Easter is the holiest day in Christianity. It should be a federal holiday.
I'm introducing legislation to make it one.
Here's why. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ByjGcY3LtP
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) April 14, 2025
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Beyond religious observance, Schmitt highlights potential economic advantages of the proposed holiday. According to the senator, making Easter a three-day weekend could boost the economy by 10%-15%, potentially generating up to $2 billion in additional economic activity. This economic stimulus would come through increased travel, family gatherings, and related spending that typically accompanies extended holidays.
The senator emphasizes the broad appeal of the holiday, noting that over 81% of Americans celebrate Easter in some form. This widespread observance makes Easter significantly more popular than several existing federal holidays. Schmitt argues this isn’t a partisan issue but rather a recognition of a deeply ingrained cultural and religious tradition that deserves appropriate accommodation on the federal calendar.
Historical Context and International Precedent
Historically, many American schools provided students with time off for both Good Friday and Easter Monday, though this practice has become less common in recent decades. Schmitt’s proposal would restore a tradition that has deep roots in American educational practice while bringing federal policy in line with international norms. Easter Monday is already recognized as a public holiday throughout much of Western Europe and in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“It’s a federal recognition of a tradition that is central to Western civilization — a tradition that’s already recognized as a public holiday in nations across (and beyond!) the West, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe,” Schmitt said.
The senator compares the proposed Easter Monday holiday to the existing National Day of Prayer, suggesting it provides a similar recognition of faith traditions without imposing religious requirements on citizens. Schmitt describes the initiative as “Pro-worker, Pro-family, Pro-faith,” emphasizing that it serves multiple constituencies while honoring an important aspect of American cultural heritage.
Creating Time for Reflection and Rejuvenation
Beyond the practical and economic advantages, the proposed Easter Monday holiday would provide Americans with additional time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Easter represents themes of rebirth, hope, and transformation central to Christian theology. An additional day of observance would allow individuals to more fully engage with these concepts, whether through continued religious services, family discussions, or personal contemplation. For many families, the extra day would create space for deeper engagement with Easter’s significance.
As the legislation moves forward in Congress, it will test whether lawmakers see merit in expanding the federal holiday calendar to accommodate this widely celebrated religious observance. Senator Schmitt’s proposal offers a potential solution to the challenge many Americans face when attempting to fully observe Easter while maintaining work and family obligations. If passed, it would mark a significant shift in how the federal government accommodates Christianity’s most important celebration.
