Reading all the comments, I have decided to get a set (I think my heart had already said yes but my mind hadn't caught up yet) And I think I'll try to use it more often than just holidays as if the pieces should break (heaven forbid!) I'll be able to replace them easily as the set has not been retired and it's been around for quite some time.
For those of you who don't use theirs because of fear of breaking a piece, I completely understand. I don't think my grandmother's wedding china was ever used and I certainly won't be using it, one because heaven forbid I break a piece, and two, it's not exactly my taste. The other reason is the first set that I really liked, I realized would never ever ever be in my price range and I don't think I would be able to justify eating off a plate that costs around $100 a piece (Spode Stafford Flowers).
And from what I've read, I could use this china all year round, just pair it with a different color tablecloth or napkins. But once I inherit my mom's Christmas Tree Spode, I'll be using that for Christmas as I love the pattern and to increase my collection, I'll buy her pieces!