USPS Thanksgiving Closure: What You Need To Know

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has officially recognized Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, which means that all services will be halted on this day. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 23. As a result, USPS retail and delivery offices will be closed on that day and will resume normal operations on Friday, November 24. A spokesperson from USPS confirmed this information to Newsweek, emphasizing the importance of planning accordingly for any mailing needs.

In addition to USPS, many other companies will also observe this holiday. Notably, UPS and FedEx have announced their operations will be affected. FedEx will be offering "modified service" for express deliveries in the two days following Thanksgiving. This means that while some services will still be available, they may not operate at full capacity.

Major retail chains like Walmart and Target have also declared that they will close their doors on Thanksgiving. Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, explained that keeping stores closed on this holiday aligns with their business model and allows their team to focus on delivering exceptional customer service during the busy holiday season, particularly leading into Black Friday.

While many retailers will be closed for the holiday, grocery chains such as Kroger, CVS, Whole Foods, and Walgreens plan to remain open. However, their hours may be adjusted, so it is advisable for customers to check with local stores for specific opening and closing times on Thanksgiving.

Historically, Thanksgiving has its roots dating back to President George Washington, who declared a day of public thanksgiving in 1789. The holiday has undergone various changes over time, especially during the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made significant changes to the holiday's date, designating the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. This decision was influenced by concerns over the holiday shopping season and its impact on economic recovery during the Great Depression. While there were initial challenges in establishing this date nationwide, it was ultimately accepted and remains in place today.