Here in the United Arab Emirates, which is a Muslim nation, they are celebrating what is referred to as Eid al Adha. There are two Eid celebrations each year. The first is called Eid al Fitr, and it marks the end of Ramadan (a time of religious fasting for the Muslim religion), and only lasts one day. The second is called Eid al Adha and it lasts for four days. This is also referred to as the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his young and only son in obedience to a command of God.
So how do they celebrate? Well...they have gatherings with family and friends, meals (especially lunches and late breakfasts), they wear new clothes, and give gifts to each other. Sounds like their version of what people do at Christmas time.
Now although this is interesting, there is another reason for me bringing up holidays... time off! The schools and businesses here not only observe every Muslim holiday but they also allow for Christian holidays to be observed as well. This means that the school calendars are dotted with days off here and there for all types of celebrations. So even though this Eid al Adha is not a celebration for my family, we are getting the benefits of the time off!! Then in the months to come, we will also be able to have time off to celebrate our holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas!!
My new teaching position has been a trying one to say the least, and I was really glad that this break came when it did. I needed a breather and a moment to refresh my mind! I needed time to think about how to approach teaching the content that my students need. So I am thanking my God for this blessing of time to think, refresh, and relax with my family!
So how do they celebrate? Well...they have gatherings with family and friends, meals (especially lunches and late breakfasts), they wear new clothes, and give gifts to each other. Sounds like their version of what people do at Christmas time.
Now although this is interesting, there is another reason for me bringing up holidays... time off! The schools and businesses here not only observe every Muslim holiday but they also allow for Christian holidays to be observed as well. This means that the school calendars are dotted with days off here and there for all types of celebrations. So even though this Eid al Adha is not a celebration for my family, we are getting the benefits of the time off!! Then in the months to come, we will also be able to have time off to celebrate our holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas!!
My new teaching position has been a trying one to say the least, and I was really glad that this break came when it did. I needed a breather and a moment to refresh my mind! I needed time to think about how to approach teaching the content that my students need. So I am thanking my God for this blessing of time to think, refresh, and relax with my family!
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