Here in the UK we have a very healthy amount of paid leave (in general - there are always exceptions). There is a slow trend towards less forced holidays, however, there are still some hangovers in place e.g. in Stoke-on-Trent many employers in various industries still close for Potters' week even though they have nothing to do with the pottery industry:
In times gone by the forced week close down was to allow for the shutting down, repair and restarting of the kilns used for firing the pottery. During this week almost everything closed and people took that week to holiday by the seaside, visit relatives or just stay at home.
Some places are looking for a more 24/7 feel of coverage even though sometimes this is more like Monday-Friday during office hours regardless of the day e.g. working over Christmas as worldwide customers will more readily accept a working day being in a different time zone than an arbitrary celebration day (they may understand and accept other people celebrating it but not why it totally shuts down an internationally trading firm).
For me working freelance, public holidays are days I am usually forced to take off (unpaid or catered for in my standard daily rate - its only a question of perspective). My family appreciate it (sometimes) and I do need it to recharge a little more every now and again.
Gaz
-- Stop your grinnin' and drop your linen...they're everywhere!!!