There are six holidays observed by most companies in the private sector, although many honor some of the holidays not on this list.

• New Year's Day

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

An increasing number of companies are beginning to observe President's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both are honored by government entities in addition to Columbus Day and Veteran's Day. Also, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve are paid holidays for most companies. However, some identify Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve as days to take off early with full pay. Chapter 13 discusses options for reasonable accommodations for employees with religious beliefs that observe holidays not mentioned above.