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Tengrinews.kz – The discussion about whether December 31 should be declared an official public holiday has once again flared up on social media.
What Kazakh Citizens are saying
A social media user started a discussion by posting:
“Who wants December 31 to be declared a public holiday? Honestly, no one really works that day anyway — we just sit around at the office while there’s so much to do and cook at home,” the author asked.
The post received hundreds of comments, revealing a wide range of opinions among Kazakhstani users.
Many commenters believe that a day off before New Year’s Eve is necessary.
“Seriously, why even go to work on the 31st? Everyone just finds excuses to leave early anyway. Can’t we make it official?” — one user wrote.
Another added that working on December 31 kills the holiday spirit:
“After a long workday, you rush home to prepare everything, and by midnight you’re exhausted — no mood for celebrations or fireworks,” — shared another commenter.
Some noted that December 31 has already become a “semi-official” holiday in practice.
“December 31 is when the office is empty, but you still sit there ‘just in case,’” — joked a user.
Others disagreed.
“Everyone’s job is different. For me, the 31st is one of the busiest days of the year with tons of sales,” — reminded another commenter.
Medical professionals offered even more serious arguments:
“My son’s condition worsened, and a doctor saw us on the evening of the 31st. If he hadn’t been working, it could have ended with complications,” — shared one user.
Similar stories came from pharmacy and clinic workers, for whom the end of December means not only festivities but also long queues.
“We worked on the 31st — and someone scheduled a colonoscopy with anesthesia at 4 p.m.! The anesthesiologist suffered, but we still had to do it,” — another joked.
Some participants brought up international comparisons:
“In China, they get a whole week off for New Year. Why can’t we?” — one person wrote.
Others suggested a compromise — at least letting women leave work early to prepare for the celebration:
“It’s funny — men stay till the end of the day, but women are allowed to go home early. That’s why men are against making it a holiday — they’d have to cook too,” — joked another.
Meanwhile, some argued the problem lies in holiday traditions themselves:
“Why cook so much food? Maybe it’s better to have less food but more rest?” — asked one commenter.
The discussion over December 31 shows no sign of fading.
Some want an extra day off to relax and prepare for the celebration, while others point out that the country cannot fully stop working — doctors, transportation, shops, and emergency services must continue to operate.
Position of the Ministry of Labor
Tengrinews.kz sent an inquiry to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, which reminded that December 31 is not on the list of public holidays.
The Ministry explained:
- Non-working days in Kazakhstan are only state and national holidays;
- New Year is officially celebrated on January 1 and 2;
- Employers may shorten the workday on December 31 at their discretion;
- Declaring December 31 a public holiday would require changes to the law and government-level approval.
“In order to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to rest while also considering the social and economic interests of the majority of the working population, we do not consider it advisable to designate December 31 as a public holiday,” — the Ministry’s response stated.
At the same time, officials noted that holiday shifts are possible, but such decisions are made in advance, depending on the calendar and economic situation.
