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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...

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Eid al-Fitr 2024: A Time of Joy Amidst Global Reflection

 


As the crescent moon heralds the end of Ramadan, Muslims across the Arab world and beyond gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival of breaking the fast, marked by communal prayers, feasts, and charity. This year’s festivities are tinged with a global consciousness, as communities worldwide reflect on current events and the true spirit of Eid as a time for unity, compassion, and giving.

In the Waterloo region, the day is filled with various events, embracing the joyous occasion as a public school board PD day allows students to join in the celebrations. Meanwhile, the global Muslim community feels the weight of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, reminding us that Eid is also a time for solidarity and support for those in need.

From the sighting of the moon to the final communal prayers, Eid al-Fitr is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that, even in the face of adversity, finds reasons to celebrate hope, togetherness, and gratitude for life’s blessings.

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