Does IT/Consulting hiring slowdown in December??

Hey everyone. I have been working at an SBC for the last 4.5 years and I was thinking of moving to another company. But the number of interview calls have dried up since November.

I have asked for referrals from my coworkers and friends but they said there is a hiring freeze which will only get better from Jan-25. What do you guys have to say about this?

I created my profile on naukri and nothing else. Is there anything else that I should be doing.

Thanks in advance and happy Monday-ing.