Is Thanksgiving a federal holiday? Find out if you need to report to work on November 28

As is tradition, the fourth Thursday in November, which falls on the 28th this year, will mark Thanksgiving. Millions of friends and families will join together to share a meal, and give thanks to all they are grateful for in their lives.

Typically, this holiday is celebrated with a traditional dinner, which includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauces, pie, and much more depending on the family’s own traditions. Because of its proximity to winter, Christmas and New Year’s, Thanksgiving is considered the opening act of the December festivities.

The short answer is yes. Thanksgiving is one of the eleven federal holidays, which are designated by the US Congress through Title V of the United States Code. Thanksgiving is actually the oldest official holiday in the country’s history, after George Washington’s Birthday and Independence Day. It was in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as the national day of Thanksgiving.

Do most workers have Thanksgiving off?

As such, companies and public institutions are required by law to suspend work, giving their employees a paid day off. This measure applies to government and post offices, libraries, schools and the stock exchange. Banks also fall into this scheme, since they operate under the Federal Reserve calendar. Additionally, the Friday after Thanksgiving, though not a public holiday, is often celebrated as well, with schools typically out of session until the following Monday.

By law, paid days off only apply to public sector workers, private companies and institutions reserve the right to provide paid or unpaid days off to their employees, although most do so due to the impact of the holiday. It all depends on the policies of the employer or company you work for, so it is recommended to check with your company’s human resources office.