Zarina Khan
Eid Al-Adha is on Monday! Hopefully, you have spoken with your employer or professors to take at least a day off! Being on the run from one week to another, we don’t realize that Eid is actually approaching. Don’t panic! Here is a check list that will remind you of the things you need to do prior and during the day of Eid.
1. Prepare the gifts
You might want to start making gifts and Eid Mubarak cards now! Another option is to give Eidiya to the kids if you didn’t have the time to prepare some gifts. The simplest thing you can do, is prepare some candy.
2. Eid decorations
You need to start decorating now! It is so much fun to decorate with your family! Decorations don’t have to be extravagant at all. You can find a lot of DIY tutorials on how to make lanterns from paper, for example. If you don’t have the time, you can always reuse old decorations from last Ramadan and Eid Al-fitr’s. Here is an article that gives some ideas to decorate your house for Eid.
3. Prepare your breakfast
It became a habit in my family to prepare all the food for Eid prior to the day of Eid. That way, we don’t have to worry about cooking food all day! We can just spend the day enjoying our time while knowing there is food waiting for us at home once we get back. If you are volunteering to make food for your community’s celebration, make sure you get all the ingredients and supplies beforehand. Also make sure to wake up early so that you have enough time to make fresh food for the people of your community.
4. Pick a nice outfit
Prepare the best and newest garments you have! It does not have to be brand new. As long as it is clean and you feel comfortable, go for it! Oh! Don’t forget to make sure that you smell nice too.
5. (re)connect with friends
Especially those who live far from their families. Invite them to share your celebration with them either with your family, if you are feeling comfortable, or to the community’s event. College students who live away from their families might not know about the community’s events in your area. Invite them.
6. Don’t forget your neighbors!
The majority of us live in an area where most of our neighbors are not Muslims. Try to reach out and tell them about our annual celebration of Eid. Simply prepare a dish of sweets and candy and knock on their doors. And if you are comfortable enough, invite them to your Muslim community’s celebration. One more thing, If possible, donate some or a very small portion of your Zabiha to families and individuals in need. Such a great feeling you get being the reason behind someone’s happiness! But don’t brag about it! Keep it a secret
7. Have a blast
The most important thing to remember is that you should try to relax and enjoy this day. Don’t stress out about work or school. In fact, you should take some time off due to your religious holiday. Surely you’ll run into some individuals who’ll try to ruin your day, but all you can do is just stay away from them!
Eid is such a unique celebration. Each Muslim family celebrates it according to the family’s long rituals. Takbeer, gifts, new clothes, outings, and certain types of food are some of my family’s rituals! Does your family carry any specific Eid rituals.
This article is written by Zahra Debbek
