Meaning of the word "Christmas comes but once a year" in English

What does "Christmas comes but once a year" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

Christmas comes but once a year

US /ˈkrɪs.məs kʌmz bʌt wʌns ə jɪr/
UK /ˈkrɪs.məs kʌmz bʌt wʌns ə jɪə/
"Christmas comes but once a year" picture

Idiom

used as an excuse for being particularly generous or for overindulging in food and drink, because it only happens once a year

Example:
Go ahead and have another piece of cake; Christmas comes but once a year!
I spent a bit too much on gifts, but Christmas comes but once a year.