I noticed the other night as I was out walking my little Jack Russell that downtown Frederick, Maryland, is fully decorated for the holidays.  Lights are twinkling on the trees lining the streets, and most shop windows have Christmas trees in them bearing shiny ornaments.  The fire department has the Toys for Tots sign out and before long I’m sure the Salvation Army’s Santa Claus will be filling the air with merry peals from his bell on various corners in the city.  It’s that time of year when holiday cheer is spreading all around us.  The festive season (though hectic!) is cherished around the globe, by old and young, rich and poor alike.

South Korea is the only country in East Asia to formally recognize Christmas as a national holiday, but the holiday is celebrated throughout Asia.  Penguins dressed as Christmas trees and Santa Clauses parade in Seoul!  In Sweden, the Feast of St. Lucia is widely celebrated in the days leading up to Christmas (December 13).  Celebrations in Norway include gløgg, a warm spicy drink usually made with red wine, and gingerbread cookies called pepperkake.  Christmas is celebrated in a commercial style in Japan, coming on the heels of a huge Japanese holiday, the Emperor’s Birthday on December 23. The Christmas chicken dinner is a favorite in Japan.  (Note:  the U.S. Embassy and Consulate will be closed in observance of both holidays, so no depositions may be held in Japan on those days).

Colombia begins a Christmas Novena on December 16, a tradition promoted by the Catholic Church to encourage remembrance of the spiritual meaning of Christmas.  Many families set up a manger scene, and carols are popular.  In Germany, Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) is sometimes accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht to serve as a warning to children to behave.  Israel draws pilgrims from around the world year-round, but a Christmastime pilgrimage holds special appeal for many.

With the holiday season and the many distractions working in the background, the last couple of months of the year are often busy for attorneys and paralegals, scheduling end-of-year depositions and proceedings, and planning for depositions in the year to come.  Much of the stress involved in this planning can be eliminated by selecting the right court reporting firm to assist with the planning.  Working with a firm with offices and court reporters throughout the U.S., as well as overseas, reduces costs and helps put your mind at ease.  Check to see if worldwide videoconferencing and streaming are available to further reduce costs.  Even if you must travel overseas for your depositions, your court reporting team shouldn’t have to; look for a firm with reporters, videographers, and interpreters local to your deposition country.

Working with the right court reporting firm allows you to efficiently coordinate your depositions, so you can enjoy your own holiday traditions.  Let the festivities begin!