This was our first Eid celebrations as a family.
I've never really enjoyed the holiday. I love the fasting month bit but I don't care very much for the hari raya celebrations itself. I don't understand why we must go visiting, especially the kind of visiting when you visit Ms X at her house today, and then the very next day she comes and visits our house. Because you HAVE to visit the house. Nevermind that we've already spent time reconnecting. I don't quite get it.
But i do go along, because. I am a non-conformist and not a rebel. Ok I'm a non-conformist... sometimes.
Argh! I just don't see the point in arguing with the family members who do cherish and value this visit, revisit part of eid celebrations. And I don't wish to be the black sheep of the family. So i go when I'm in the mood.
Well. This year Eid was not just tiring, it was bloody stressful I tell you. On Day 1, we have 6 houses to visit beginning from 10.30am in the morning. Coordinating naps, solids feeding, milk feeds, nappy changes, etc almost killed me. Yes- i do take these things seriously, and a lot of thought goes into the planning for the day. And you know me, I stress out about absolutely EVERY freaking thing!
But we survived! And the boys behaved themselves for the day, and of course were absolutely over-tired, high-strung and wonky by the end of the night. We couldn't get back in time for their 6.45pm bedtime, so by 8pm they were bouncing off the walls.
No sleep for me that night, and then they both fell ill.
Luckily, visiting with babies this year means we get the eid 'hongbaos'. They came in handy for the pediatrician bill that came up to a ringing $212 for the both of them!!
Another 11 months to the next one.... aiyar...did i mention, it's a 1 month celebration! 3 more weeks to go....sigh...