[crossroadsguy]

> Is it a US thing to push updates right before holidays and force people to be on call?

Yes. And usually they get it done via their off-shore employees in third world countries like India working during their night time.

> Are you Indian? You don't celebrate Christmas, you'll be on call.

Not celebrating Christmas isn't a point. The point usually is - you will be without a job probably if you are not agreeing to be on-call 24x7.