There was always a certain kind of quiet excitement the night before Eid. Not loud, not chaotic, but a steady, bubbling anticipation that made sleep almost impossible. You knew something special was coming. The house felt different. The air carried the promise of celebration.
As a Nigerian child, Eid-el-Fitr was not just a religious holiday. It was an experience, see below:
-
The night before that felt like Christmas Eve
Sleep was almost impossible. You kept thinking about your new clothes, the food, and how much money you might collect. The house buzzed with quiet activity, and even the adults seemed a little more cheerful than usual. -
Waking up earlier than you ever would voluntarily
On a normal day, waking up early was a struggle. On Eid morning, you were suddenly the most disciplined person alive. No dragging, no complaints, just excitement pushing you out of bed. -
The “New Outfit” moment
Eid was your personal fashion debut. Stiff fabric, fresh tailoring, and that unmistakable feeling of wearing something brand new. Even if the outfit was slightly too big, you wore it like royalty. -
The long walk or drive to the prayer ground
There was always something special about moving with a crowd all headed in the same direction. The greetings started early, and as a child, you mostly followed along, soaking in the atmosphere. -
Perfecting your greeting skills for “Eid Money”
You quickly learnt that respect was paid. A well-delivered greeting, a polite smile, and just the right amount of confidence could earn you a crisp note. It was strategy, not luck. -
Food that somehow tasted better than usual
Even dishes you ate regularly felt different on Eid. The meat was softer, the rice richer, and there was always more than enough to go around. You ate, rested, and then ate again. -
House-to-House visits that felt like a marathon
From one family friend to another, the visits seemed endless. At some point, you got tired, but the promise of more food and possibly more money kept you going. -
The slow fade of the day
By evening, the excitement softened. Clothes were no longer crisp, energy levels dropped, and the house grew quieter. Still, there was always that quiet satisfaction that the day had been worth it. -
Counting your “Earnings” before bed
The final ritual. Sitting quietly, unfolding notes, counting and recounting. Planning what to buy, even if most of it would eventually go to your parents “for safekeeping”. -
The subtle sadness that it was over
Eid came with joy, but also a gentle reminder that it would be over too soon. And just like that, you were already looking forward to the next one.