As Americans celebrate Christmas on Wednesday, most offices and businesses will be closed.
Christmas, which falls in the middle of the week this year, is a federal holiday recognized nationwide.
Dec. 25 is the day Christians around the world observe the birth of Jesus Christ, but the holiday has also become a cultural celebration for many Americans.
In 1870, Christmas was designated by Congress as one of the first four federal holidays, originally granted to federal employees only in the District of Columbia, but later extended to all federal employees in 1885.
Here’s a look at what will be open and closed Wednesday.
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