Christmas Day in Liberia
Christmas Day falls on December 25 and is listed as a national public holiday in Liberia. The law provides employees with a paid holiday, while accounts from Liberia describe church services, family visits and children’s performances as part of Christmas observances.[1][2][3]
Public holiday and time off
The Decent Work Act entitles employees to a paid holiday on dates designated as public holidays by the Patriotic Observances Law. It allows employers to ask employees to work that day; employees may refuse in circumstances set out in the Act. An employee who agrees to work is entitled to twice the normal rate, or an agreed amount of paid time away under the law’s conditions.[1]
A Public Procurement and Concessions Commission administrative manual lists December 25 as Christmas Day and says its employees are not required to work on national or public holidays. The same manual says the following day is the official holiday when a national holiday falls on Sunday.[2]
Meaning and public observances
Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ. In a message reported by Liberia’s Judiciary, the Chief Justice described Christmas as part of a long-standing Liberian tradition and spoke of peace, hope, unity and love. The Judiciary’s report also records a Christmas tree lighting at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, with preaching and singing attended by judges, government employees and other Liberians.[3]
One account published by the United Methodist Church describes Christmas in Liberia as a time for family gatherings, visiting relatives, preparing food and children wearing new clothes. The Liberian Methodist interviewed said her community attended church on Christmas morning for hymns and carols, and that children performed Christmas dramas on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. These are reported experiences, not a claim that every Liberian family observes the day in the same way.[4]
Practical effects
A Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection personnel handbook says the Ministry observes public holidays declared by the Government of Liberia. It also states that Ministry staff work a half day on the working day before Christmas.[5]
The United Methodist account describes people travelling to other counties to spend time with relatives, including on unpaved roads. If you plan to travel or visit a shop, bank or office, check its holiday hours and transport availability directly.[4]
Christmas Day in Liberia: FAQs
When is Christmas Day in Liberia?
It is observed on December 25 and is listed among Liberia’s national public holidays.[2]
Are employees entitled to the day off?
The Decent Work Act entitles employees to a paid public holiday. An employer may ask an employee to work, and the Act sets out when the employee may refuse.[1]
What happens if Christmas falls on a Sunday?
A Public Procurement and Concessions Commission manual says the following day is the official holiday when a national holiday falls on Sunday. This is the rule stated in that agency’s manual.[2]
What might visitors encounter during Christmas?
A Liberian Methodist’s account describes Christmas morning church services, carols, children’s dramas, family visits and travel to see relatives. Practices vary.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Liberia:
- Republic of Liberia Decent Work Act, 2015- Republic of Liberia; document hosted by LIBLAW
- PPCC Administrative Manual & Organogram- Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Republic of Liberia
- Judiciary Branch of Government Lights Christmas Tree- Judiciary Branch of Government, Republic of Liberia
- Give Love: Serving Liberia's Children- The United Methodist Church
- Personnel Handbook- Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Republic of Liberia