I read something similar somewhere that while UK serfs had a lot of crappy conditions and a lack of autonomy, outside of planting and harvesting seasons they actually had a fair bit of free time. Especially in the winter.

Sure, that time might be spent fishing and collecting sticks and twigs, and repairing clothes and nets, but how is that different than the housecleaning, yard maintenance (I have a large(ish) property with trees and gardens and chickens) and other things we all do after our 35-50 hour "work" weeks?