Unplanned, Unnamed, Unbelievably Perfect

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

Once upon a Monday, I dreamt of a holiday that didn’t exist on the calendar. No red circle, no government memo, no WhatsApp forwards declaring it a surprise off. And yet, it was the most magical day I never had—because it existed in my mind.

You see, since childhood, every unscheduled holiday was my favorite. Rainy days that washed away school, strikes that cancelled exams, and those delightful days when “the principal is sick” meant we’re free. No bias towards Diwali or Christmas or Eid. Just pure joy whenever the school gate stayed shut.

Fast forward to adulthood—no uniforms, but plenty of responsibilities. The holiday thrill didn’t vanish; it just evolved. Now, weekends are cherished like gold. Not for parties or late nights, but for waking up without an alarm and realizing—“Aaj toh office nahi hai!” That feeling? Pure bliss.

“Some people wait all week for Friday, all year for summer, all life for happiness.”– Unknown

As a mom and working woman, my definition of a ‘holiday’ has become wonderfully flexible. It’s not always about destination vacations (though I won’t say no to one). Sometimes, a quiet hour with a book while the kids are busy or a nap on the couch with drool marks on the pillow qualifies. Add to it the joy of homemade chai and no one asking “what’s for dinner?”—and voilà! That’s a five-star holiday.

One of my favourite ‘holiday’ stories was when our family packed for a weekend trip, only to cancel it last minute because the youngest had a fever. We ended up turning our living room into a tent house, played board games in pajamas, and made Maggi at midnight. It wasn’t Goa, but it was goa-ls.

“Holidays are not about where you go but how you feel.”
– Me (because I deserve to be quoted too)

My son once asked, “Mumma, why don’t we have a holiday called Just Breathe Day?” Honestly, that boy might be onto something. A day when everyone just pauses. No productivity guilt, no to-do lists, no pressure to post Instagrammable moments. Just… breathe.

Imagine an official “Do Nothing But Everything That Makes You Smile” day. You could sleep in, wear mismatched socks, watch cartoons without kids, or sing 90s songs off-key with your spouse. No rules, no rituals, just pure freedom. Like the surprise holidays from our school days—but designed by your soul.

No suitcase packed, no flights in air,
Just stolen moments without a care.
A nap, a laugh, a cup of tea—
That’s the holiday meant for me!

A thought to ponder:
“If you wait for a holiday to be happy, you’re already late. Create mini-holidays in your everyday moments—because life is too short to wait for red circles on calendars.”

So, what’s my favorite holiday? The one where time slows down, laughter echoes louder, and I remember that the best holiday isn’t found in a suitcase—but in a moment fully lived.

And maybe, just maybe… today is one of them.