This quote humorously suggests that holidays serve as an acceptable societal excuse for indulgence, particularly targeting single women who might otherwise scrutinize their eating habits. It highlights how social occasions often act as a loophole for behaviors that might be otherwise judged. The notion implies that holidays provide a collective permission slip—a socially sanctioned period where overindulgence is normalized and even celebrated. From a broader perspective, it reflects on the ways societal expectations and personal freedoms intersect around food and leisure activities. Holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas are traditionally associated with feasting, and this often becomes an occasion where guilt is assuaged by the festive spirit, family traditions, and cultural expectations. The quote emphasizes a humorous take on how such permissiveness is specifically tailored for certain groups, in this case, single women, possibly hinting at societal stereotypes about diet and femininity. It invites reflection on how cultural narratives shape our behaviors, sometimes encouraging us to indulge because of collective pressures or traditions rather than personal desire. Additionally, it touches on the universal experience of using holidays as a psychological break—a time where people can temporarily abandon diet restrictions and enjoy the moment without guilt. Ultimately, it suggests that the societal constructs surrounding holidays serve both communal and individual purposes: fostering social bonds while also providing a sanctioned moment of pleasure and indulgence that might otherwise be restrained. This humorous observation opens the door to contemplating how much our routines and habits are influenced by social norms and events.

*( Mr. Wrong ) - Elizabeth Jane Howard