Businesses, schools and government offices will be taking breaks over the next week as the nation celebrates Christmas and New Year's. Christmas falls on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, and New Year's on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.  

Christmas is now a state holiday but it wasn't always. The General Court under the control of the Puritans outlawed the holiday in 1659.

Too much eating, drinking, wassailing and other festiveness for the colony's righteous rulers. Even after the ban was lifted, Christmas was treated as a regular day until its popularization during the Victorian era. Thank goodness. Can you imagine Norman Rockwell not painting Stockridge at Christmas?

The Puritans weren't big on New Year's either, preferring to eschew partying for quiet reflection. They did, however, like a good resolution, as Stockbridge's the Rev. Jonathan Edwards proved a prime example (70!).

Schools and public colleges are closed for Christmas vacation, with most closing Friday. School reopens on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

The Williams College Museum of Art will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 2, 2012. Berkshire Community College, including the Paterson Field House and South County Center in Great Barrington, will be closed from Friday, Dec. 22 through Wednesday, Jan 2. The new semester at BCC begins Jan. 22.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25
(Most stores close early on the Dec. 24, some restaurants and bars may be open later)

Closed
Liquor stores
Businesses
Most retail (convenience stores & gas station may have limited hours)
BRTA not operating

Local, state and federal offices
Public libraries
Schools
Banks
Stock market

Open
Cinemas
Ski areas

New Year's Day, Jan. 1
(Most stores close early on the Dec. 31, some restaurants and bars may be open later)

Closed
Retail businesses open but may have limited hours
Public libraries
BRTA not operating

Local, state and federal offices
Public libraries
Schools
Banks
Stock market

Open
Cinemas
Ski areas
 

Adams: Free Library closed Dec. 24; open 10 to 1 on Dec. 31

Richmond: Town Hall closes Dec. 24 at noon.

Send closures to info@iBerkshires.com.