Charleston, West Virginia; December 20th, 2025
As the final workdays of the year approach and offices across West Virginia begin to slow, Governor Patrick Morrisey moved to give state employees something increasingly rare in modern public service: time.
According to an official announcement from the WV Office of the Governor, Governor Morrisey has granted state employees an extended Christmas holiday, providing additional paid leave surrounding the Christmas observance. The decision applies to eligible state workers across executive branch agencies and is intended to allow employees to spend more uninterrupted time with their families during the holiday season.
The Governor’s office stated that the additional time off reflects appreciation for the work performed by state employees throughout the year, particularly as many agencies continued operations through demanding schedules, staffing shortages, and year-end workloads. By extending the holiday period, the administration acknowledged both the professional dedication of public servants and the personal importance of the Christmas season for many West Virginians.
Under the Governor’s directive, state offices will observe the extended holiday in addition to the federally recognized Christmas Day observance. Essential services, including public safety and emergency operations, will continue to operate as required, with agency leadership responsible for maintaining coverage where necessary. Non-essential offices will resume normal operations following the extended holiday period.
The announcement emphasized that the extension does not alter existing leave balances and does not require employees to use personal or accrued vacation time. Instead, it functions as an administrative holiday granted by the Governor’s authority, a practice used periodically by prior administrations during major holidays.
For many state employees, the additional time offers a chance to travel, gather with extended family, attend religious observances, or simply rest at the close of a demanding year. In smaller communities across the state, where public employees often serve as neighbors, volunteers, and caregivers in addition to their official roles, the extended break carries practical and personal significance.
Governor Morrisey’s office noted that agency heads have been directed to communicate specific operational details to their staffs to ensure a smooth transition into the holiday period and an orderly return to work afterward. The Governor’s statement framed the decision as both a gesture of gratitude and a recognition of the value of work-life balance in sustaining an effective public workforce.
As West Virginia enters the final days of the year, the extended Christmas holiday stands as a pause in the routine of state government, offering employees time to step away from their desks, reflect, and reconnect before the new year begins.
Sources
- WV OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR — Official Press Release:
“Governor Morrisey Grants State Employees Extended Christmas Holiday”
Appalachian Post 
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