Parades, fireworks and other activities have been canceled for National Day, but Sunday, Dec. 18 will still be an official holiday in the country.

That means most government offices will be closed.

According to QNA, the Emiri Diwan has announced that all government employees will resume their duties on Monday, Dec. 19.

As per tradition, the Emir has already pardoned “a number” of prisoners on the occasion of National Day.

The holiday celebrates the day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani rallied the tribes of the peninsula into a unified people.

No festivities

While many people will have the day off of work, there won’t be any special celebrations on Sunday.

This is because for the first time since 2007, when the holiday was established, Qatar’s Emir has called off festivities to stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Aleppo.

For those who wish to help Syrians caught in the crosshairs of a years-long civil war, here’s a detailed list of ways to contribute to the humanitarian effort.

What are your plans for the long weekend? Thoughts?