At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.

The quote "At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year." by Thomas Tusser is a cheerful reminder to embrace the joy and festivity of the Christmas season. It encourages people to celebrate, enjoy one another’s company, and take time for merriment, recognizing that Christmas is a special occasion that only happens once annually. The phrase emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, especially during a time that invites togetherness, gratitude, and goodwill.

Thomas Tusser was a 16th-century English poet and farmer, best known for his instructional poem Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry. His writings often offered practical advice on agriculture, home life, and the rhythms of the year, interwoven with rhyming verse. This quote originates from his observations on seasonal customs and highlights the traditional view of Christmas as a time for relaxation, feasting, and joyful activities, especially after the hard work of the harvest season.

The phrase "make good cheer" reflects the old English usage of the term "cheer" to mean feasting, celebration, and gladness. Tusser's advice is to indulge in these pleasures without guilt, because Christmas is a rare and treasured time. By noting that it "comes but once a year," he emphasizes its uniqueness and encourages readers not to let it pass uncelebrated.

Ultimately, Tusser’s quote is a timeless call to embrace the spirit of Christmas with enthusiasm and warmth. It captures the historical essence of the holiday as a communal and joyous break from daily toil. Even centuries later, his words continue to resonate as a reminder to pause, celebrate, and share in the simple delights that the season brings.