In 2025, unlike previous years, December 26, which follows Christmas, falls on a Friday, leading the government to also grant an optional holiday on that day.

The decree signed today by the Prime Minister, states that "it is common practice for many people to travel outside their places of residence during the Christmas and New Year period to attend family gatherings."

In this regard, according to the same decree, “a day off is granted to workers who perform public functions in the services of the direct administration of the State, whether central or decentralised, and in public institutes” on December 24, 26, and 31.

“Exceptions are made (…) for services and bodies that, for reasons of public interest, must remain operational during this period, under terms to be defined by the competent member of the Government,” the decree emphasizes.

In these cases related to the operation of services for reasons of public interest, it is determined that, “without prejudice to the continuity and quality of the service to be provided, the highest-ranking officials of the services and bodies (…) must promote the equivalent exemption from the duty of attendance of the respective workers, on a day or days to be determined in due course.”