WASHINGTON, D.C. –
If you were upset that your job only gives you the standard Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas off each year, you’re in luck. White House press secretary Joel Winter released word this morning that several other holidays that are celebrated each year will officially become national holidays, giving more people time off from their regular nine-to-five.
“We are officially recognizing several new holidays as government, or ‘National’ holidays, starting in 2016 and 2017,” said Winter in the statement. “Starting this year, April Fools Day, Grandparents Day, and Talk Like a Pirate Day will all officially be recognized in the United States as national holidays. These days will give employers more opportunities to give their employees a day off, and give workers extra days to relax and enjoy time with families.”
According to Winter, 2017 will see even more inclusions, including Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day is one that we had hoped to see become a national holiday in 2016, but it was just coming up too fast,” said Winter. “It is a major holiday, though – for both couples and single people. Yes, even singles love Valentine’s Day, because it gives them an excuse to drink more. It was with that in mind that the holiday made the list; no one likes to be drunk at work.”
Winter says the final step in the holiday recognition changes would be to include birthdays, which they are hoping to have officially on the books by 2020.