Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt introduces legislation to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, aiming to help American families fully celebrate Christianity’s most important day.
Top Takeaways
- U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is introducing legislation to establish Easter Monday as a federal holiday, noting 81% of Americans celebrate Easter
- Easter Monday is already a public holiday in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Western Europe
- The proposed holiday would create a three-day weekend that could boost the economy by 10-15%, potentially adding up to $2 billion in economic activity
- Schmitt argues the holiday would be “Pro-worker, Pro-family, Pro-faith” and allow for proper celebration of Christianity’s most significant event
A Federal Recognition for Easter
Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt is taking steps to establish Easter Monday as a federal holiday, citing the need for American families to have time to properly celebrate Easter together. The proposed legislation would designate the Monday after Easter Sunday as a legal public holiday, creating a three-day weekend for what Schmitt describes as “the holiest day in Christianity.” This initiative aims to address a perceived gap in the current holiday schedule, which Schmitt argues makes it difficult for families to gather and celebrate this significant religious occasion that 81% of Americans observe in some form.
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
Following International Precedent
In presenting his case, Schmitt points to international precedent, noting that Easter Monday is already recognized as a public holiday in numerous Western nations. “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 draws parallels to existing American traditions, noting that historically, many American schools gave students time off for both Good Friday and Easter Monday, reflecting the cultural significance of the Easter celebration in American society.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond religious significance, Schmitt presents the proposed holiday as having potential economic benefits. He suggests that making Easter a three-day weekend could boost the economy by 10%-15%, potentially adding up to $2 billion in economic activity. The senator frames the proposal as “Pro-worker. Pro-family. Pro-faith,” suggesting it would provide a much-needed break for American workers and families. This argument addresses the practical implications of Easter’s status as a floating holiday that can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25, making it challenging for many Americans to fully participate in celebrations without a designated day off work.
A Non-Partisan Proposal
Schmitt emphasizes that his proposal is non-partisan, comparing it to the existing “National Day of Prayer” in the United States. He argues that Easter is not a “micro-holiday” but rather a significant day for many Americans that deserves proper recognition at the federal level. The legislation would align American holiday observances with those of many other Western nations and acknowledge the cultural and religious significance of Easter in American society. By designating Easter Monday as a federal holiday, the proposal aims to support families in fully celebrating a day that holds deep meaning for millions of Americans while potentially creating economic benefits.
