When good cheer is lacking, our friends will be packing

Similar English and Irish sayings:

Christmas comes but once a year, (but when it comes it brings good cheer) Christmas comes but once a year, (but when it comes it brings good cheer)
Books and friends should be few but good Books and friends should be few but good
He is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs He is a good friend that speaks well of us behind our backs

Proverbs and English sayings