U.S. Federal Holidays: When They Fall, Why We Observe Them, and Thoughtful Gift Ideas

Quick summary: The United States observes 11 federal holidays. Some commemorate historic events or public service. Others grew from religious or cultural traditions. This guide explains when each holiday falls, how it developed, and where to find a thoughtful card, gift, or decoration. Holiday dates that fall on a weekend may be observed on a nearby weekday by the federal government.

New Year’s Day: January 1

New Year’s Day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. January 1 became a federal holiday in 1870. Today, people often use the occasion to reconnect, express gratitude, and set intentions for the year ahead. Send a note to someone you hope to see more often, or choose a small gift for a fresh start. Browse our greeting cards for a personal message.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January

This holiday honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the U.S. civil rights movement. Congress established the federal holiday in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. Many communities mark the day with service and education. It is a chance to learn, volunteer, and recognize people working to strengthen their communities. A thoughtful thank-you card can acknowledge a volunteer or community leader without turning the holiday into a sales event.

Washington’s Birthday: Third Monday in February

The federal holiday is officially named Washington’s Birthday, though many people call it Presidents’ Day. It recognizes George Washington, the first U.S. president, who was born on February 22, 1732. The federal observance moved to the third Monday in February under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, effective in 1971. Use the day to explore U.S. history together. A handwritten note from our greeting cards collection can also thank a teacher who makes history engaging.

Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who died while serving. Its roots reach back to Decoration Day observances after the Civil War, when people decorated the graves of fallen service members. The federal observance moved to the last Monday in May in 1971. Remembering a loved one, attending a community ceremony, or supporting a surviving family are meaningful ways to observe it. If you are writing to a grieving family, choose a respectful card and focus on the person being remembered, not a holiday greeting.

Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced freedom to enslaved people there. The date came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but communities had celebrated it for generations. Learn from local events, Black historians, and Black-led organizations. If you want to thank someone who organized a community program, browse our thank-you cards and write a specific, sincere message.

Independence Day: July 4

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The date became a federal holiday in 1870. Communities now mark it with ceremonies, gatherings, and fireworks. Celebrations can also create an opportunity to discuss the country’s history and its unfinished work toward equal rights. Hosting a gathering? Explore gifts for hosts and guests, and check current product availability before planning around a specific item.

Labor Day: First Monday in September

Labor Day recognizes the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. An early Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882. Congress made the holiday federal in 1894. Beyond the unofficial end of summer, it is a good time to appreciate the people whose work supports your community. A personal thank-you card for a colleague, caregiver, or mentor makes that appreciation concrete.

Columbus Day: Second Monday in October

The federal holiday is named Columbus Day. It became a federal holiday in 1937 and moved to the second Monday in October in 1971. Many states and communities instead observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on this date to recognize Indigenous histories and living cultures. Names and observances vary by location. Consider learning about the Indigenous peoples of your area and supporting Indigenous-led cultural organizations. For an autumn gathering, browse our fall collection; decorations are not a substitute for learning about the day.

Veterans Day: November 11

November 11 marks the 1918 armistice that ended fighting in World War I. The date became a federal holiday as Armistice Day in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, it honors living veterans as well as all who served. Ask a veteran how they prefer to be recognized. If a personal note feels appropriate, choose a thank-you card and mention what their service or support means to you.

Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November

Thanksgiving grew from several traditions of giving thanks. The frequently cited 1621 harvest gathering involved English colonists and Wampanoag people, but it does not tell the full story of the holiday or Indigenous experiences. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving in 1863, and Congress set the fourth Thursday in November as the federal date in 1941. Sharing a meal and expressing gratitude are common ways to observe it. Browse fall decorations for a gathering, or write a note to someone who made the year easier.

Christmas Day: December 25

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. December 25 has been observed as Christmas for many centuries, and the day became a U.S. federal holiday in 1870. Celebrations vary by family and faith, from worship and shared meals to exchanging gifts and decorating a tree. Explore our Christmas décor and Hallmark Keepsake ornaments for traditions you can revisit each year.

Make the observance personal

Federal holidays do not all call for the same message. Some are celebrations; others ask for remembrance, service, or reflection. Learn the meaning of the day first, then choose a gesture that fits. At Annie’s Hallmark & Gretchen’s Hallmark, Sister Stores, you can explore greeting cards and thoughtful gifts for the people and moments that matter.