Is it permissible to give zakat to relatives as a gift to help them during the Eid holidays?

It is permissible to give zakat (definition) to relatives who are eligible to receive it, provided they are not among those whose financial support is obligatory upon you. Giving zakat to them is better, as it combines charity with maintaining kinship ties, in fulfillment of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is both charity and maintaining kinship ties." It is not necessary to inform them that it is zakat, nor should you inform them that it is a gift.