In George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda," the author reflects on how people often use the calendar as an excuse to delay unpleasant tasks. The idea of postponing actions until after a significant date, like Christmas, highlights a common human tendency to avoid responsibilities we find disagreeable. Instead of confronting these duties head-on, we allow societal constructs, such as timekeeping, to dictate our actions.

Eliot suggests that our reliance on the structures of the universe for time management can lead us to procrastinate. This reliance allows us to create excuses that prevent us from engaging in necessary actions, especially when they are unappealing. The notion that we wait for an appropriate moment to tackle difficult tasks underscores our struggle with responsibility and the avoidance of challenges in life.