Staff Reports
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt has sparked a national conversation with his proposal to make Easter Monday a federal holiday, a move that resonates deeply with millions of Americans who cherish the Christian roots and family traditions at the heart of Easter. Schmitt’s bill, introduced in April, seeks to recognize the Monday after Easter as a day for families to rest, reflect, and fully celebrate the holiest day in Christianity—a tradition already honored in countries like Canada, Australia, and much of Western Europe.
Schmitt’s argument is rooted in both cultural heritage and practical considerations. He points out that 81% of Americans celebrate Easter, yet the current holiday schedule often forces families to cut celebrations short as work and school resume on Monday. The senator notes that March and April are the only consecutive months without a federal holiday, leaving Americans with the longest unbroken work stretch on the calendar. Instituting Easter Monday as a federal holiday would not only fill this gap but also reinforce the importance of faith and family in American life.
The proposal has found enthusiastic support among those who see it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the nation’s Christian heritage. For decades, public schools in the U.S. often gave students time off for Good Friday and Easter Monday, reflecting the centrality of these observances in American culture. As Schmitt emphasizes, this is not some fringe or “micro-holiday”—it’s a day that unites more than three-quarters of the country and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Western civilization’s moral and spiritual foundation.
Of course, the bill has its critics, with some questioning the need for another federal holiday. But let’s be honest: if we can add Juneteenth to the calendar with overwhelming bipartisan support, why not honor a day that holds profound meaning for the vast majority of Americans? The economic benefits are also hard to ignore—Schmitt estimates that extending the Easter holiday could boost consumer spending by up to $2 billion, as families travel, dine out, and shop during an extended weekend.
At a time when our nation’s values and traditions are under constant assault from the left, this proposal is a welcome reminder of what truly matters. Recognizing Easter Monday as a federal holiday would be a pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-faith step forward. It’s time for Congress to put politics aside, honor our shared heritage, and give Americans the chance to fully celebrate the most extraordinary day in world history.
