The term SPECIAL TIME can be broken down into two crossword solutions: ERA (3 letters) and OCCASION (8 letters). ERA is a period of time in history, usually lasting several centuries, that is marked by a particular set of characteristics or events. An example of an ERA is the Renaissance. OCCASION is an event or time that is special or important. It can refer to a specific event such as a birthday or anniversary, or it can refer to a more general time such as the holidays.