Eid ideas for children: 6 ways to make the occasion feel special at home

Traditional plans may still be out the window, but here's how you can make this Eid a memorable one

Get the children involved in making your Eid feast, or order in and just make dessert. Getty Images

This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on May 13. Even though things are opening back up amid the pandemic, thanks to the mass roll-out of vaccinations in many countries around the world, it's better to still be cautious with plans.

In the past, you may have gone on holiday or travelled to see family, but there are plenty of ways you can celebrate at home with loved ones instead.

So, if you're a parent who's worried about what Eid is going to be like for your children, we've got some ideas to help you. Despite the circumstances, you can still make these festivities memorable.

1. Put up a crescent moon tree

One of the newest trends to pop up is a Ramadan crescent moon tree. It's an artificial tree that comes in a number of sizes and colours, with its defining feature being its distinct moon shape. As with a Christmas tree, it can be decorated in a variety of ways for the occasion, and is typically being used during Ramadan and Eid.

A woman stands near a decorative crescent moon at an orphanage in Damascus. Reuters

Parents can also use the tree as an example to help further explain these holy times to young children.

Places to get decorations, as well as trees, include Amazon, Crate&Barrel, Kibsons and noon.com.

2. Decorate the rest of your house

Is it really a holiday without decoration? If you're someone who skips doing this, maybe opt to try something new.

Expand on your crescent moon tree, and buy some ready-made items or create your own decorations at home. The more the children can be involved the better.

My husband and I used to decorate the house with balloons after our children went to sleep on the last night of Ramadan. We loved watching the element of surprise on their faces in the morning. However, now that they are older, they love helping out.

2. Prepare a special Eid meal together

The first main meal on the first day of Eid can be a late breakfast for some, or an early lunch for others. Whatever your family tradition is, allow the children to take part. Ask them for what they'd like to have and make preparations so you can prepare the food together.

Even if you decide to order in after a monthof at-home iftars, you could make plans to prepare dessert together. It's a good way to keep them engaged as an Eid day at home will feel long.

3. Make a treasure hunt

What's Eid without games? Organise a few games that the children can play where the whole family can be involved.

One idea is to create a treasure hunt, where the children have to look for clues that would lead them to treats. The more clues you leave, the longer the game lasts and the more fun it is.

4. Arrange a big family video chat

Eid can be difficult if you are spending it without your extended family. However, thanks to technology, everyone can still stay connected through video calls.

A great way to allow children to feel the Eid spirit is to arrange for a Zoom or other video chat where they can talk to their grandparents and cousins, even if they are miles apart or in different time zones.

5. Virtual Eid gifts or Eidi

Finally, and it's almost too obvious to mention, but do not forget Eidi, or gifts given on Eid. If this is your child's first time fasting, or completing a whole month of fasting, acknowledge their accomplishment.

But remember to only give gifts to those in your household to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. Also don't give cash: opt for an e-voucher instead.