There are two very good reasons why Hari Raya Haji is a big deal for us this year.
First, let me paint you a picture.
It was Aidilfitri.
The house was decorated, kuih was stocked, the baju Raya was ironed to perfection… and I was completely out of action.
I had the stiffest neck of my life, was practically bedridden, and the kids? Not far behind.
One by one, we fell like dominoes.
Coughs, colds, fevers – you name it, we had it. For three whole weeks.
By the time we were healthy enough to do anything festive, Aidilfitri was already waving goodbye.
Second, one night, somewhere between finishing up the dishes and reminding the kids (again) to brush their teeth, I casually asked my husband: ‘Raya Haji… it’s not as big as Raya Aidilfitri, right?’
I said it innocently, because since we’re already being honest, in Malaysia, Hari Raya Haji tends to fly under the radar unless you’re in Kelantan or Terengganu.
I had always thought of it as ‘the quieter Raya‘ – until he replied with something that shifted everything I thought I knew.
‘Actually, Hari Raya Haji is meant to be even more significant than Aidilfitri.’
Wait, what?
That was when I, a still-learning mum navigating faith while raising kids, stood corrected.
And suddenly, I was inspired – this year, we’d make Hari Raya Haji count.
Not just for us, but for our kids too.
This Year, We’re Realistic
In the spirit of making things work, I’ve taken a few smart shortcuts this Raya Haji.
I’ve ordered frozen ketupat, because wrestling with daun palas was a battle I lost years ago.
I proudly made my own serunding three years ago.
But this year? A quick online order, and we’re sorted!
I’m wearing one of the abayas I already own, and the kids, plus husband will be wearing pieces from the overflowing stash of baju Raya they accumulated earlier this year.
No new matching family sets unless, of course, I casually come across one I simply can’t resist.
Even the rendang might be outsourced this time, either fully prepped or using one of those rendang pastes that lets you cook up magic in under an hour.
No shame in that, mummies.
Honestly, I call it efficient festive planning.
As for the kids, we’re keeping things meaningful but simple.
Some basic cookies will double as a school holiday activity, and arts and crafts will provide the perfect reason to decorate up the house with homemade Hari Raya Haji decorations – think dyed cotton balls, mini mosques, and stars cut out of recycled packaging.
School Holidays and Slower Days
Contrary to popular sentiment, I absolutely love school holidays!
Yes, the house gets noisier.
Yes, the kids are snacking 24/7, but there’s just something about slower mornings that we love.
The kids just lounging around in their pyjamas until noon.
No lunchboxes to pack, no school drop off scramble – it’s lovely!
And this time around, these slower days feel like the perfect setting for us to lean into the meaning of Hari Raya Haji, something we’re all learning to appreciate a little more deeply.
While Aidilfitri is joyful and festive, Hari Raya Haji is an acknowledgement of sacrifice, patience, and spiritual reflection.
It’s gives our family the perfect opportunity to start new traditions, ones that help our children understand the story of Prophet Ibrahim, the values of giving, and what it really means to honour this sacred day.
We’re taking the time to watch child-friendly Islamic videos on YouTube, picking up books from our favourite bookstore, and most importantly, adding bedtime storytelling into our nightly routine.
Slow, Simple and Mindful
So mummies, this Hari Raya Haji and school holidays, we’re choosing to slow things down.
We’re moving through our days with a little more intention, letting the kids stay in their pyjamas longer, taking breaks before moving on to our next task, and just embracing every moment – even messy ones.
What about you? How will you be spending this holidays and Hari Raya Haji?
From our family at Motherhood to yours, Selamat Hari Raya Haji and happy holidays with love!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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