What was the last state to make Christmas a legal holiday?
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Zoe White
Studied at the University of Barcelona, Lives in Barcelona, Spain.
As an expert in American cultural and legal history, I can provide you with a detailed account of how Christmas became a legal holiday in the United States. It is important to note that the recognition of Christmas as a legal holiday has evolved over time and has been shaped by various factors, including religious traditions, cultural practices, and legislative decisions at both the federal and state levels.
The United States, being a diverse nation with a strong emphasis on the separation of church and state, has a complex history when it comes to the formal recognition of religious holidays. The establishment of Christmas as a legal holiday is not a uniform process that was applied across all states at the same time. Instead, it was a gradual process that unfolded differently in different states, often influenced by the demographic makeup, religious beliefs, and historical context of each region.
The history of Christmas in the United States dates back to the early colonial period when the first European settlers, predominantly from England, brought with them their customs and traditions. However, the celebration of Christmas was not universally accepted or observed. The Puritans, who were a significant force in the early years of the American colonies, viewed Christmas as a decadent holiday and even banned its celebration in some areas, such as Massachusetts, until the mid-19th century.
It wasn't until the 19th century that Christmas began to be widely celebrated across the United States. The influence of other cultures, particularly German immigrants who brought with them the tradition of decorating Christmas trees, helped to popularize the holiday. Additionally, the Civil War played a role in shaping the modern observance of Christmas. In the midst of the war, President Abraham Lincoln, in an effort to unite a divided nation, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. This act, along with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas"), contributed to the growing popularity of Christmas celebrations.
The formal recognition of Christmas as a legal holiday at the federal level came with the passage of the "An Act to establish uniform holiday dates for certain holidays celebrated by the civilian employees of the United States" on June 28, 1968. This act, which is often referred to as the "Monday Holiday Law," standardized the dates of several federal holidays, including Christmas Day, which was designated as a legal public holiday to be observed on December 25th.
As for the states, the process of declaring Christmas a legal holiday varied. Some states may have recognized Christmas as a legal holiday earlier than others, and the specific legislation and historical context for each state can be quite diverse. It is also worth mentioning that the term "legal holiday" can mean different things in different contexts. In some cases, it might refer to a day off for state employees, while in others, it could mean a day when certain businesses are required to close or when certain legal transactions are suspended.
Regarding the specific information you provided, which states that Oklahoma became the last U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1907, this is an interesting piece of information that requires further verification. While it is possible that Oklahoma was one of the last states to officially declare Christmas a legal holiday, it is important to consider the broader context of how holidays are recognized and the various ways in which states might have done so.
In conclusion, the establishment of Christmas as a legal holiday in the United States is a multifaceted process that reflects the nation's diverse history and cultural heritage. The journey from the early colonial period to the modern observance of Christmas as a legal holiday at both the federal and state levels is a testament to the evolving nature of American society and its traditions.
The United States, being a diverse nation with a strong emphasis on the separation of church and state, has a complex history when it comes to the formal recognition of religious holidays. The establishment of Christmas as a legal holiday is not a uniform process that was applied across all states at the same time. Instead, it was a gradual process that unfolded differently in different states, often influenced by the demographic makeup, religious beliefs, and historical context of each region.
The history of Christmas in the United States dates back to the early colonial period when the first European settlers, predominantly from England, brought with them their customs and traditions. However, the celebration of Christmas was not universally accepted or observed. The Puritans, who were a significant force in the early years of the American colonies, viewed Christmas as a decadent holiday and even banned its celebration in some areas, such as Massachusetts, until the mid-19th century.
It wasn't until the 19th century that Christmas began to be widely celebrated across the United States. The influence of other cultures, particularly German immigrants who brought with them the tradition of decorating Christmas trees, helped to popularize the holiday. Additionally, the Civil War played a role in shaping the modern observance of Christmas. In the midst of the war, President Abraham Lincoln, in an effort to unite a divided nation, declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. This act, along with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas"), contributed to the growing popularity of Christmas celebrations.
The formal recognition of Christmas as a legal holiday at the federal level came with the passage of the "An Act to establish uniform holiday dates for certain holidays celebrated by the civilian employees of the United States" on June 28, 1968. This act, which is often referred to as the "Monday Holiday Law," standardized the dates of several federal holidays, including Christmas Day, which was designated as a legal public holiday to be observed on December 25th.
As for the states, the process of declaring Christmas a legal holiday varied. Some states may have recognized Christmas as a legal holiday earlier than others, and the specific legislation and historical context for each state can be quite diverse. It is also worth mentioning that the term "legal holiday" can mean different things in different contexts. In some cases, it might refer to a day off for state employees, while in others, it could mean a day when certain businesses are required to close or when certain legal transactions are suspended.
Regarding the specific information you provided, which states that Oklahoma became the last U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1907, this is an interesting piece of information that requires further verification. While it is possible that Oklahoma was one of the last states to officially declare Christmas a legal holiday, it is important to consider the broader context of how holidays are recognized and the various ways in which states might have done so.
In conclusion, the establishment of Christmas as a legal holiday in the United States is a multifaceted process that reflects the nation's diverse history and cultural heritage. The journey from the early colonial period to the modern observance of Christmas as a legal holiday at both the federal and state levels is a testament to the evolving nature of American society and its traditions.
Works at the Global Health Initiative, Lives in New York, NY, USA.
OklahomaIn 1907, Oklahoma became the last U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.Jul 31, 2008
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OklahomaIn 1907, Oklahoma became the last U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.Jul 31, 2008
