For many Feds, extended vacations might feel out of reach, but with strategic planning, they’re easier to achieve than you might think.
By planning vacations around federal holidays, you can take longer stretches of time off without burning through your PTO. Here’s how to set yourself up for maximum rest and relaxation in 2025.
2025 Federal Holidays: Key Dates to Note
Effective federal employee PTO planning begins with understanding the key dates for 2025.
Start with this 2025 federal holidays guide:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 17
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1
- Columbus Day (Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some states): Monday, October 13
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
Strategic Long-Weekend Planning
Federal holidays create natural opportunities for long weekends. Combining them with just one or two PTO days, you can turn single days off into multi-day breaks.
For example, many paid holidays fall on Fridays, so taking off the Thursday before of the Monday after creates a four-day weekend with just one PTO day. The same applies for taking off the Friday before a holiday that falls on a Monday.
Block Vacations Around Holiday Clusters
Some holidays give you the opportunity to plan a full week's vacation with minimal PTO. Each of these combinations will create a nine-day stretch of time off (including weekends) using only four PTO days.
- Juneteenth: Take off Monday, June 16 through Wednesday, June 18, as well as Friday, June 20. This results in TWO back-to-back long weekends.
- Thanksgiving: Take off Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26, plus Friday, November 28.
- Christmas: Take off Monday, December 22, through Wednesday, December 24, and also Friday, December 26.
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Balancing PTO with Workload
Knowing these key dates and strategies is one thing, but getting approved for the time off is another. Since many Feds might try to take the same approach, it’s important to start planning early.
Here are a few tips to help secure your time off without disrupting your team’s workflow.
Submit Requests Early and Communicate Often
The earlier you submit your PTO request, the better your chances of approval.
When submitting your request, discuss your plans with your supervisor and team to ensure there’s sufficient coverage during your absence. Proactively addressing potential gaps might make it easier for your request to get the green light.
Be Flexible When Possible
If others on your team are eyeing the same dates, consider negotiating or adjusting your request. Offering to cover a high-demand holiday in exchange for time off later can show that you’re a team player while still giving you the break you need.
Leverage Telework Opportunities
If feasible, consider teleworking the day before or after a holiday. This can preserve your PTO time while still giving you a bit of flexibility. This may be especially helpful during busy times when taking a vacation might be a bit more challenging.
Make the Most of Your Benefits in 2025
Planning ahead can help you make 2025 both productive and restful. Strategically planning your PTO can improve your work-life balance, help you recharge, and enhance your overall well-being.
For personalized guidance on maximizing your federal benefits, contact the team at Serving Those Who Serve at [email protected]. We’re here to help you make the most of your federal benefits.
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