Holiday vs. Observance

Difference Between Holiday and Observance
Holidaynoun
A day on which a festival, religious event, or national celebration is traditionally observed.
Today is a Wiccan holiday!Observancenoun
The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
Holidaynoun
A day declared free from work by the state or government.
Observancenoun
The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
Holidaynoun
A period of one or more days taken off work for leisure and often travel; often plural (US English: vacation).
Observancenoun
Observation or the act of watching.
Holidaynoun
(US English: vacation) A period during which pupils do not attend their school; often plural; rarely used for students at university (usually: vacation).
I want to take a French course this summer holiday.Observancenoun
(religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.
Holidaynoun
A gap in coverage, e.g. of paint on a surface, or sonar imagery.
Observancenoun
the act of observing; taking a patient look
Holidayverb
To take a period of time away from work or study.
Observancenoun
a formal event performed on a special occasion;
a ceremony commemorating Pearl HarborHolidayverb
(British) To spend a period of time for travel.
Observancenoun
the act of noticing or paying attention;
he escaped the notice of the policeHolidaynoun
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure;
we get two weeks of vacation every summerwe took a short holiday in Puerto RicoObservancenoun
conformity with law or custom or practice etc.
Holidaynoun
a day on which work is suspended by law or custom;
no mail is delivered on federal holidaysit's a good thing that New Year's was a holiday because everyone had a hangoverHolidayverb
spend or take a vacation