In England we don't really use the word 'vacation'. We say holiday for any time you have off work, whether it's a national day off like Christmas, or your personal time off.

The answer varies by English dialect. Australians and Brits use "holiday" to mean any time off of work where they go and do leisurely activities. Truly I'm not sure if vacation is even used commonly. In America, however, holiday only means a major day of celebration (Christmas, Fourth of July, Easter, thanksgiving) while vacation is like the definition of holiday in British or Australian English- a time off of work spent for leisure "What are your plans for the holidays? (What are your plans for Christmas/Hanukkah' etc) "This summer my family is taking a vacation to Mexico for a week."

In America, a holiday is a day of celebration based on religious or government ordained dates. We have Christmas and Independence Day, and many others. A vacation is a break, time off of work or away from home, to enjoy yourself, your friends, and your family. Usually these are unpaid days off work, though some companies, including the military, have paid vacation days. These are also similar to our medical leave days for things like maternity leave for new moms. I think American English can be too specific at times.

vacation is personal holiday is public

vacation is personal holiday is public