When's the best time to get a vote passed in Congress?

Per the Washington Post - see excerpt below, I believe they meant the "...and, worse,..." to mean when it comes to this unanimously passed "deal" it was wise to time the congressional action while our fearless leaders are "on holiday" ....psst, can you pass me the honey baked ham and deviled eggs please?

Senate And House Approve Deal On Payroll Tax Cut
Any member of either chamber could have returned to Washington from the holiday vacation and objected to the procedural vote. But despite grumbling from some House conservatives who are angry that their leaders accepted the two-month deal sought by President Obama, none came to the Capitol Friday to do so. Objecting would have meant forcing a dicey full House vote on the issue next week. And any member who sought to block the bill would have been held personally responsible for canceling his or her colleagues’ vacation and, worse, allowing worker’s taxes to rise Jan. 1 (Helderman, 12/23).

Note - the bolding/italicized is mine for emphasis.