Have the day off Dec. 25 but don’t know why? Help could be on the way.

A House bill quickly moving through the General Assembly would require state agencies, public schools and colleges and political subdivisions to use traditional names for holidays they observe or recognize.

Holidays mentioned in the bill include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Easter, Truman Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

“When I started doing some research I found a lot of these weren’t even given their traditional names,” said Rep. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville). “Like Christmas is just put on there by date, and I think it is important that we as citizens of Missouri and our children learn traditional dates.

“I’ve heard people that couldn’t tell you what holiday was on the Fourth of July, and I think that’s pretty pathetic, so I think we need to reinforce that idea that these are traditional holidays,” Cunningham added.

The bill passed the House 140-16 on April 1 and was sent to the Senate. A Senate committee heard the bill this week, and voted “do pass consent.”

“Everything’s been really positive so far,” Cunningham said. “Haven’t had a negative.

“It came out of the House consent and the Senate had a hearing on it and it seemed to go through there with no questions.”