Making the memory bank for children
Do you remember the time when we were children ourselves and Eid felt like the most important day of the year? We could not wait for it, jumping in excitement weeks before the main event arrived, and sleep was out of the question on Eid eve.
The exhilaration of wearing new clothes, going to the Masjid with the elders of the house, and getting to eat your mother’s signature firni - the whole day would go by in a daze of fun. The excitement was only enhanced by the gifts, particularly the ‘eidi’ received after exchanging Eid greetings, were like cherry on the cake. Such were the times, when Eid was truly grand, even in its simplicity, and the most special time of the year.
Now as we are well into adulthood, these memories are what we can look back on fondly. Festivals are still fun, but the charm is somewhat missing! Only for us.
For the little ones in your family, Eid is still the most anticipated day of the year and there are a host of things that you can do to make it brighter, better.
Making gifts
Eid, and the whole month of Ramadan, is about generosity and selflessness. The lesson can be reinforced by making children prepare small token gifts for the special people in their lives. Like small cards, a little bead bracelets and necklaces, handmade bookmarks, for their friend and loved ones, can help spread Eid joy.
Take them Eid shopping
Even though it can be difficult to manage with the children in tow, Ramadan shopping is not something the children should be denied. Take them for an outing; let them have an opinion in what to get for Eid, but with moderation. Involve them in trivial matters like helping pick out a bedcover for their rooms, or a new clock, as long as it lets them express Eid festivities. Children are always enthusiastic when they get to go to the mall and look at new things.
Let them help you with the cooking
Why not let your little ones help in preparing the Eid feast? Whatever you prepare, there are always simple tasks which the children can easily carry out. Peeling boiled potatoes, cleaning the rice, washing the other vegetables, whisking the egg, carrying bowls and other utensils, making the bed, putting away the toys, and the like are all easy tasks for the children, and it can help them feel involved in the work and keep them busy too!
Moreover, they can feel accomplished for having contributed in the chores.
Charity
As a part of society, the act of giving to the less fortunate is one of the most important lessons to teach our children, and the best way is through example. Rummage through children’s clothes together, and since our tykes grow so quickly, find the items which no longer fit, but are still good for wearing, and put them in the charity pile. Same goes for toys. Then, with your children, distribute them among the less fortunate, along with a few new pieces if possible.
Decorate the house
If your children are old enough let them help you decorate the house. Make sure that everything is clean and ready for the guests. If you can, maybe make a few simple decorations with your children together – even something as simple as painting earthen pots for Eid can be a great way to bond and spend time with your children.
Take them to Eid prayer
One of the most solemn and important parts of Eid day is that of the early morning prayer, which serves as a great bonding experience for parents and their children. Although mostly a father and child ritual, now many masjids offer the option for women, and the whole family can go for the Eid prayer together. The walk to and from the masjid, dressed in all the finery that is Eid for them, is fun for children. Plus, you get to meet and greet some of your neighbours doing the same!
If your children are small, go over the different parts of the Eid prayer and help them learn and remember the night before, so that they are all amped up for the early morning activity.
Watch something as a family
Every year, there are hours of outstanding television made especially for Eid. The dramas shown during Eid are typically the best that the makers have to offer, and there are also many game shows, most popular among which is the annual “Ittadi”. You can even watch a movie together with the whole family during Eid, either at home or at the Cineplex.
Nothing makes Eid a better experience than a complete family affair!