I really enjoy my work and the feeling of doing great work for 8 hours is an important part of my life. But weekends and holidays are the thing that gives life meaning to me. I get to do the hobbies I enjoy, see friends and family, and enjoy a greater sense of agency. Some holidays or weekends I do indulge in bad food or alcohol but many more I am outside or exercising or socializing or learning new skills.

I don't think it's a sad existence at all to look forward to holidays, at least for me.