What happened to Perl 7?

Always read and understand the fine print. If the fine print says that the year ends in February, then unfortunately, that means the year ends in February (for the purposes of that agreement). If the fine print doesn't say any such thing, then sure, hold them to their promises. Not pushing things during holidays is obviously a foreseeable event and they should plan for that. But it's possible that they "planned" for it by sticking a clause in the contract to allow for a delay, rather than by actually doing the work on-time like a sensible company.