While the CPA said that factories, stores and schools are free to decide whether to follow suit, most of the employees at the private businesses are expected to have a long holiday like their counterparts in the government.

The coming New Year's Day falls on a Thursday. January 2 is a Friday, followed by a weekend. When a public holiday falls on a Thursday, it's customary for the government to make the following day a day off so that people may enjoy four days off in a row. The work thus missed is made up for on a Saturday later.

Premier Liu Chao-shiuan quickly approved the holiday proposal. The Liu administration, by order of President Ma Ying-jeou, is working to jump-start Taiwan's sluggish consumption. A step it has taken toward that end is to issue shopping coupons, to be given to every citizen on January 18.

The long holiday will allow many people to enjoy themselves as tourists or shoppers. The decision should have been made sooner, however.