The son the rasha asks (Shemos 12:26), מה לכם הזאת העבדה “What is this work for you?” He looks at the seder and calls it עבודה, work - a chore, something he doesn't want to do. We would understand if he called Yom Kippur עבודה because he doesn't want to fast. We would understand if he asked why you needed the עבודה "toil" of Tisha b'Av. But now it's the seder, and good food is being served; the family eats together in happy spirits. What upsets the rasha so much that he doesn't want to take part in it?
B'derech tzachus, the rasha's problem is the tense nerves that people experience when it comes to being cautious about chametz and when it comes to performing mitzvos properly, according to halachah. These fears certainly have a positive side; a person should be concerned and cautious. However, we must also be mindful that our concerns shouldn’t cause us to lose the joy of the Yom Tov and the joy of the mitzvos.
One year, chassidim of the Bas Ayin wanted to paint their beis medresh before Pesach.
The Bas Ayin told them that they shouldn't paint the beis medresh now. He explained that when there is a lot of tension at home due to the cleaning for Pesach, the husband at times needs a calm place to escape. Therefore, the beis medresh needs to remain open all the time, so he can go there when the need arises. The beis medresh can't be closed for painting or repairs.
The Ahavas Yisrael of Vizhnitz zt'l told his family before Pesach, "Believe me, a drop of anger is worse than a drop of chametz." Tzaddikim say that it is the nature of people who clean for Pesach to become angry. Therefore, when the Torah instructs us to be cautious of chametz on Pesach, it also instructs us not to worship avodah zarah. As it states, (Shemos 34:17-18) לא מסכה אלקי תשמר המצות חג את ,לך תעשה , "You shall not make yourselves molten gods. You shall observe the Yom Tov of Matzos..."
