Christmas, Chanukah, and Checking Twice: Navigating Background Checks During the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us! Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, spinning dreidels by the menorah, or simply counting down the days until some well-deserved time off, December 25th marks a special occasion this year: Christmas and Chanukah align for the first time in years! In fact, this delightful overlap is rather rare; it last happened in 2005 and won't occur again until 2035! Truly, a festival double feature worth celebrating.
However, while we’re busy decking the halls and lighting candles, it’s worth noting that this festive fusion also brings a touch of seasonal chaos. For those eagerly awaiting background checks to wrap up, we’re here with a friendly heads-up: delays are to be expected over the next few weeks.
Why the Wait?
As celebrations take centre stage, many government offices, universities, and key data sources around the world close their doors in observance of local traditions. Even here at Verifile, our elves (aka our team members) will be enjoying a little downtime with family and friends.
For example, did you know that in some countries like Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Macedonia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th? And while North Korea, Somalia, and Brunei officially ban Christmas, many other nations still use the day as an excuse to come together, exchange gifts, and indulge in holiday feasts.
To provide a visual representation, here's a map highlighting the observance of Christmas around the world:
This map illustrates the countries where Christmas is officially recognised as a public holiday and when it is celebrated.
Fun Fact Corner
While Christmas might be celebrated on different dates, New Year’s Eve on December 31st unites much of the world in celebration. Countries like Scotland take it a step further with Hogmanay, a festival steeped in tradition, featuring “first-footing” and other customs to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, Japan treats New Year’s as their most important celebration of the year, marked by family gatherings, visits to shrines, and eating osechi-ryori, traditional foods that symbolise prosperity and health.
And let’s not forget KFC in Japan because no festive blog post would be complete without fried chicken’s Christmas cameo!
Japan might not celebrate Christmas in a traditional sense, but thanks to an ingenious marketing campaign by KFC in the 1970s, fried chicken is the festive meal of choice for millions of Japanese families. Who knew Colonel Sanders had such yuletide spirit?
Lighten the Load
While these delays can be a bit inconvenient, they’re also a reminder of what makes this season special: pausing the daily grind, reconnecting with loved ones, and celebrating life’s joyful moments.
If you’re waiting on background checks this holiday season, we encourage a bit of patience - and maybe a cheeky mince pie or two to tide you over.
Verifile’s Holiday Hours
To help you plan ahead, here are our office hours over the festive season:
- Monday 23rd December 2024: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
- Tuesday 24th December 2024: 08:30 – 15:00 GMT
- Wednesday 25th December 2024: Office Closed
- Thursday 26th December 2024: Office Closed
- Friday 27th December 2024: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
- Monday 30th December 2024: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
- Tuesday 31st December 2024: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
- Wednesday 1st January 2025: Office Closed
- Thursday 2nd January 2025: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
- Friday 3rd January 2025: 08:30 – 17:30 GMT
Final Thoughts
So, however you choose to spend December 25th - be it enjoying a roast dinner, playing with shiny new gadgets, or sneaking a few chocolate coins from the Chanukah gelt stash - we hope it’s filled with laughter, love, and maybe even a little bit of magic.
From all of us at Verifile, happy holidays, merry Christmas, chag sameach, and a very Happy New Year! May your days be merry and bright (and your background checks be swift!).