Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. This beautiful celebration is a three-day holiday, but the festivities can last up to a week.
All those who know me well know how much I love Eid. The day for me usually begins with the whole family enjoying a small breakfast, always at my mum’s place.
This breakfast is the first daytime meal that we’ve eaten in a month, and it’s usually very special and delicious. Also, my sister always prepares Eid goodie bags for the kids, and we all exchange gifts. That’s why some people compare Eid with Christmas celebrations in the Christian world.
To give you an idea of how our Eid breakfast table looks, I’m going to share with you some of the recipes we usually enjoy at this festive family gathering.
There will be stuffed dates, of course, a bowl of hummus and one of labneh to dip some crisp flatbread into, a colourful veggie platter, man-oushi, za’atar croissants (my addition), a large platter of chickpea fateh, fried egg (mum’s tradition) and last but not least, some date and rose water scones for dessert.
There are many reasons why this celebration holds a special place in my heart, but I’m going to share with you the five most important ones:
1. Homemade food
Eid is all about delicious food, especially traditional desserts. I particularly love indulging in Ma’amoul, the famous Middle Eastern shortbread pastry filled with dates or nuts. Sprinkled with icing sugar, ma’amoul cookies are a staple of Eid in many homes.
This year, I also came up with a no-bake recipe for Ma’moul energy bites that keeps the flavour of those festive cookies but requires minimal time and effort to make.
2. Family time
Eid is a time for family and friends to get together, enjoy great food, go out and chat. My fondest memories of Eid involve seeing my grandparents, aunties, and uncles on the first day of the celebration and then having fun with my sisters and cousins while spending the Eideyah we had collected.
3. Dressing up
It’s a common tradition to wear new clothes on Eid, no matter if you’re young or old, and I love this. If you have an outfit stashed away in your wardrobe that you’ve been saving for a special occasion, this is it. Or this can also be the perfect excuse to go shopping and get something new.
For me, it’s always the second option without a doubt. It’s a must that I wear something new on this day.
4. Gift giving
Eid means one thing and one thing only for children and that is getting that sum of money known as “Eideyah” from their parents and close family members. “Eideyah” is our equivalent to a Christmas present.
When I was a child, my sisters and I would all be dressed and waiting for our gifts on Eid morning, while my father just wanted to have his coffee. Now, as an adult, I totally get it!
5. Taking a day off
On this day, we focus all our energy on celebrating and spending time together with our close ones. So my boys have a day off school, and I have a day off work. This was a tradition for me growing up and continues to be now as a parent.
For me, Eid will always be a joyful celebration that brings people together. As I get older, I find myself more determined to make it extra fun and memorable for my family. I have a lot of lovely memories to cherish and even more to make as I look forward to each Eid that comes my way.
To all of you celebrating Eid around the world, have an amazing day celebrating with your family and friends!
Eid Mubarak!
With Love
