The President ordered executive branch agencies to close on Friday, Dec. 26, giving most federal employees a four-day Christmas weekend.  That means federal workers will get that day off, with pay. The order does not apply to Postal Service employees.

Agency heads still have the authority to order some essential employees to their posts on the day after Christmas, if their service is needed for national security, defense or some other essential public need, according to an executive order issued Friday.

Historically, presidents grant an extra day or half-day of vacation when Christmas falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.   The White House says that since 1952, federal workers have been excused from duty eight straight times on Dec. 26 when Christmas fell on a Thursday. The last time was in 2003, when Bush issued the same kind of executive order.

Employees can reschedule any annual leave they have scheduled for Dec. 26. No employees will be charged annual leave for that day. If employees scheduled use-or-lose leave for Dec. 26 and can't reschedule it, they'll have to forfeit it. For most employees, use-or-lose leave must be used by Jan 3, 2009.

For those who think they may get one more freebie the day after New Year's day, which also falls on a Thursday...who knows, but  don't hold your breath!