The Story Of Us

We celebrated Eid last week. What a wonderful month it was. While bodily you feel exhausted it is fulfilling and deeply satisfying in all other ways. I am happy it is over and I can drink my coffee again and get a full nights sleep but I also miss it already.  For those of you not in the know.. above is some basic facts about Eid. I posted a more detailed post about it a few years ago which you can check out here  and I am always open to any questions you may have.  Traditionally the four of us always go out for a big breakfast on Eid morning after our Eid prayers.  On Eid instead of gifts, Eidi is given. Adults give children an Eidi (money). It extends to adult sons giving their parents an eidi, parents giving their adult daughters eidi's and adult brothers giving their sisters eidi's as well. Historically,women did not work or have their own money so an Eidi was a way for women to get financial freedom and the ability to save or spend the money ...

Last week we celebrated Eid. M took the day off.. the kids skipped school.. it was all well and good but it got me thinking about how we would have been celebrating if we were in Pakistan and of course pre covid. Something my kids will most likely never experience.  A couple of nights before Eid the markets would be open past midnight.. a hustle and bustle.. most people buy new clothes to wear for the day of. Matching glass bangles.. oh I used to have so many glass bangles. Not a fan personally but most apply henna to their hands. The night before Eid is especially festive.  The morning of Eid we wake up at the crack of dawn to pray and then the celebrating begins, which mainly includes a lot of eating. We generally celebrate for 3 days. It involves visiting the homes of all of our uncles and aunts, other close family members as well as friends. Usually it's a 20 minute stop at each home where they ply you with food and the elders gift the kids money known as an Eidi. Most cr...