Bank Holidays 2012 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Sep 30, 2011 by holidays 2012

There are 9 holidays in a normal year. These include the following public and bank holiday dates. Assume they fall on a Monday unless mentioned. The following dates apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are some differences in Scotland which are mentioned:

1. New Years Day Sunday 1st January. A day off to celebrate a new year. For many this means nursing a large hangover from the night before.
2. The first Monday of the year 2nd January. A bonus day to recover from the festive season. For most people this is the time to begin any new years resolutions and prepare for the year ahead.
3. Good Friday 6th April. This is a national break to mark the day that Jesus Christ was killed on the cross. Christians are expected to attend church.
4. Easter Monday 9th April. This is always after Easter Sunday which is the day of the resurrection of Christ. It is not a holiday in Scotland.
5. Early May Bank Holiday 7th May. This is better known in England and Wales as May Day and originated in Roman times to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.
6. Spring Bank Holiday 4th June. Most years this falls on the last Monday of May but this year it has been pushed forward to coincide with the Royal celebrations (see below).
7. Summer Bank Holiday 27th August. The last Monday of August is a day off for everyone to celebrate the end of summer. In Scotland it is held on the 1st Monday of September.
8. Christmas Day 25th December. Xmas Day falls on a tuesday in 2012. It is of course the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
9. Boxing Day 26th December. Many people do not know what Boxing Day is all about. It is actually a day to share the ‘Christmas Box’ with the poor. Many people use this as a day to go shopping in the sales these days. In the middle ages it was a time for workers to go home and see their families with a box of gifts from their employers.