This page gives the definitions of some important terms that are used on HolidaysHours.Expert
| Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
| Holiday | A day designated for festivity or recreation, especially a day set aside for celebrating a particular event or occasion. Major holidays include Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc. |
| Store hours | The time period when a retail store is open for customers to shop. Store hours vary by location and day, with most stores closed or operating under limited hours on holidays. |
| Opening hours | The hours when an establishment welcomes customers or is open for business. This is synonymous with store hours. |
| Closed | When a business is not allowing customers inside and has stopped operations for a period of time. Stores are often closed on major holidays. |
| 24 hours | When a business is open all day, every day of the week, 24 hours a day. Some establishments like pharmacies and grocery stores have locations that are open 24/7. |
| Holiday Schedule | A calendar or table of the holiday closures and modified opening hours for a business location. Customers can use this to plan shopping trips on or around holidays. |
| Business hours | The open hours when a company conducts business operations and transactions. Most businesses have set hours on weekdays and weekends. |
| Service hours | The time period when a business provides services to customers. This most commonly refers to retail stores, restaurants, banks, etc. |
| Hours of operation | The opening and closing times for a business location. Same as store hours or opening hours. |
| Holiday closings | When a business shuts down on a holiday. Most companies have holiday closings for major holidays like Christmas Day, New Years Day, etc. |
| Modified hours | When a business changes their standard opening hours for a certain holiday or day. For example opening later or closing earlier. |
| 24-hour store | A retail store or pharmacy open all day, every day of the year, 24 hours a day. These locations do not close for holidays. |
| Closed for holiday | Indicating a business is shut down in observance of a holiday. This alerts customers it is closed for the date. |
| Reduced hours | Operating with shorter opening times for a holiday. For example 9am to 5pm rather than regular hours of 9am to 9pm. |
| Holiday eve | The day preceding a major holiday, often busier than normal with customers stocking up on items. Stores may have extended hours. |
| Day after holiday | The day following a major holiday. Stores may have special openings, sales and extended hours to accommodate returning shoppers. |
| Holiday Calendar | Holiday Calendar |
| Holiday shopping season | The busy retail sales period from Black Friday through Christmas week. Extended holiday hours. |
National Holidays And Their Short Description
| Holiday Name | Definitions |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st, the first day of the year celebrating the start of a new year. |
| Epiphany | January 6th, a Christian feast day marking the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January, honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Valentine’s Day | February 14th, a romantic day celebrating love and affection. |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February, honoring the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. |
| St. Patrick’s Day | March 17th, celebrating Irish culture and heritage. |
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter, remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter | Sunday following the first full moon after March equinox, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. |
| Easter Monday | Monday after Easter, considered part of the Easter celebration. |
| Mother’s Day | Second Sunday in May, honoring motherhood and maternal bonds. |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May, remembering those who died serving in the US armed forces. |
| Flag Day | June 14th, celebrating the adoption of the US flag in 1777. |
| Father’s Day | Third Sunday in June, honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds. |
| Juneteenth | June 19th, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. |
| Independence Day | July 4th, celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. |
| Labor Day | First Monday of September, honoring the achievements of workers. |
| Patriot Day | September 11th, remembering those killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks. |
| Constitution Day | September 17th, commemorating the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday of October, celebrating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Celebrating Native American peoples, held on Columbus Day. |
| Halloween | October 31st, a widely celebrated holiday combining ancient Celtic and Christian traditions. |
| Veterans Day | November 11th, honoring military veterans who served the United States. |
| Thanksgiving Eve | October 31st, is a widely celebrated holiday combining ancient Celtic and Christian traditions. |
| Thanksgiving | The day before Thanksgiving, celebrating family time before the holiday. |
| Black Friday | December 24th, the day before Christmas commemorating the nativity story. |
| Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | December 7th, honoring those killed in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. |
| Christmas Eve | Fourth Thursday in November, giving thanks and celebrating the harvest. |
| Christmas | December 25th, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26th, originated as a servants’ holiday the day after Christmas. |
| New Year’s Eve | Day after Thanksgiving, is known for big sales and busy shopping. |