Eid Starts with You

How many times has Eid ended before you even felt like you celebrated it? How many times did everything look perfect, yet you were too exhausted to enjoy any of it? How many times did Eid feel like another test of your efficiency rather than a celebration meant for you as much as for everyone else?

Eid is Not a Project to Be Completed, It’s a Moment to Be Lived

Since childhood, we have learned that Eid should be perfect: the house spotless, the table filled with a variety of dishes, the clothes new and coordinated, and every detail under control. But do you remember the Eid you truly enjoyed? Was it because everything was in its perfect place, or because you were genuinely happy?Sometimes, the best Eid is the one that happens spontaneously, without a long list of “must-do” tasks. The moments when you allowed yourself to sit, to laugh, to be part of the celebration instead of being the one making it perfect for everyone else.

 What truly brings you joy during Eid, beyond all the expectations?

Your Happiness Matters More to Your Family Than a Perfect Eid

We often think that the happiness of those around us comes from details, from organization, from having everything ready on time. But what creates the most beautiful memories is not perfection, but the emotions we share together.Your child won’t remember whether the sweets were homemade or store-bought, but they will remember your smile as they ate them. Your family won’t talk for years about how the table was set, but they will remember your laughter and lightheartedness that made Eid more enjoyable. Your friends won’t care whether you visited every single person, but they will remember the moment when you were truly present with them—not just physically there but emotionally exhausted.

Can you imagine an Eid where you are fully present, instead of just making sure everything is perfect?

Are These Expectations Really Yours or Someone Else’s?

Traditions have their charm, but they can also become burdens when they no longer bring you joy. Some traditions still make you happy, but others have become obligations that you follow without even questioning why.

Do you do everything during Eid because you love it, or because you are afraid of breaking unspoken rules?

Eid as a Reminder of Emotional Pressures

Eid is not just a celebration; it is also a time filled with family gatherings, which means it can bring back memories or hidden emotions that have been buried throughout the year. Some women find themselves facing uncomfortable comments, being compared to others, or receiving unwarranted criticism from family members.Sometimes, Eid becomes a reminder of the things you are trying to move past:“When will you get married?””Why haven’t you lost weight?””Haven’t you found a better job?””Look at how well so-and-so is doing compared to you.”As if Eid is not just a joyful occasion, but also an opportunity for some people to remind you of what you “lack” rather than celebrate what you have.But do these comments define who you truly are, or are they just external noise that has nothing to do with your real self? What if the problem is not Eid itself, but the way you receive these words? What if this year, you decided not to be an open space for every opinion, and not let others dictate how you feel about yourself?

If you already know that certain situations will cause you stress during Eid, how can you prepare for them in a way that prevents them from affecting you?

Eid is Not a Measure of Your Worth as a Wife, a Mother, a Daughter, or a Sister

Eid is not a test of how much you can endure. It is not a measure of your organizational skills. It is not the annual opportunity to prove that you “care.”You care all the time, even if everything isn’t perfect. You put in effort all year long, so why should Eid be the ultimate proof of your dedication? 

What if you allowed yourself to celebrate Eid as if you weren’t responsible for everything?

How Can You Make Eid Yours Too?

• Pause for a moment and ask yourself: What truly makes me happy during Eid? Can I focus on that instead of trying to complete everything?
• Think about the things you do just because they are traditions, and ask yourself: Do they still give me the joy of Eid?
• Let others be part of the preparations, not just because you need help, but because they also deserve to be involved, rather than just being guests.
• Don’t postpone enjoying Eid until all tasks are completed. There is no “perfect time” to relax during Eid—every moment can be an opportunity for joy if you allow yourself to experience it.

Eid Starts with You

When you are relaxed and happy, everyone around you will feel it. When you allow for spontaneity, Eid will feel lighter and more beautiful. When you stop pressuring yourself, you will finally experience the true spirit of Eid.

What would make you happy this Eid without putting pressure on yourself?