For many Eid Al Fitr is a season filled with: festivities, family, Biriyani, Shuwa, Pilau, Taarab, Ngoma, sweets, new clothes, more sweets, games, fun, laughter and an overall sense of stress- free living… for the adults however, Eid can be a little different.
As adults, our understanding of the meaning of the holidays has evolved. Here’s what we’ve learnt at Gazzetea as we venture into the holiday seasons as adults #adultingduringeid:
- Holidays can be stressful: Once upon an Eid Holiday all you did was wake up early, go to the mosque or join the family for prayers, put on your new Eid clothes and look forward to festivities, today however you may find yourself facing the stress of preparing for and hosting events. From planning the menu to decorating and cleaning the house, hosting holiday gatherings is a lot of work.
- Holidays can be expensive: The cost of meals, gifts, decorations and travel-fare during the holidays can add up quickly. Many adults find themselves spending more money than they had planned, which can create financial stress.
- Family dynamics can be complicated: Family gatherings during the holidays can be emotionally charged. Navigating complex family dynamics, such as unresolved conflicts, strained relationships, or cultural differences, can make the holiday season particularly challenging. These issues can cause significant stress for adults, who are expected to balance the demands of the season with their own emotional wellbeing.
- Time with loved ones is precious: Despite all the challenges mentioned above, there’s nothing quite like spending time with the people you love. The holidays are a chance to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life and reconnect with those who matter most. As adults we know all too well that time is indeed precious and that “once upon an Eid Holiday’ things were simpler, and today it may mean traveling across the country to see family or friends or hosting a get-together, yet the desire and effort to be with loved ones trumps any logistical obstacles.
All in all, the holidays offer us an opportunity to reflect on the value of relationships and deepen existing connections and create memories that last a lifetime. Prioritizing time with loved ones during the holidays can create a sense of closeness and community that can carry forward long after the season is over, after all that is how our parents created the magic of the holidays for us once upon an Eid Holiday.
By: Charlotte Makala
