Eid is the Arabic word for festivity and there are two major Eids in the Islamic calendar – the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid is a time for prayer, charity as well as feasting and there are many activities for children that will make the day more memorable for them.
Eid al-Fitr
The Eid al-Fitr takes place at the end of Ramadan, which is the month of fasting for Muslims all over the world. It is usual for families to attend special communal prayers that will take place on open spaces like community centers, fields or mosques. Activities for children should be included in the celebration at home or at parks.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is celebrated to remember the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son. It is usual for households to slaughter domestic animals and divide each animal into three parts – one for themselves, one for relatives and one for the poor. Money can also be distributed by families to those in need in order to make them happy.
Furthermore, children are given new clothes to wear on the day and the clothes are traditionally white in color. At family parties for the day, children should be entertained with various games like the traditional ones such as Muslim Charades acting out scenes from religious texts and modern games like Twister.
A lunch or dinner may be hosted for the children at mosques and young people should be involved in setting up and cleaning the centers before and after the events. Another center point of festivities is the local market where families patronize for shopping and organized activities like games for children. You can also take the kids to special Eid fairs and carnivals where they will take part in dancing, rides and other fun-filled events. There are public celebrations that children can participate in like special concerts and sports competitions.
Moreover, there are educational activities for children like the creation of handmade greeting cards. They can also be asked to make paper Eid lanterns that will be used to decorate the house. Also, kids could be involved in cooking on this special day. Children can assist in making cookies and wrap them up into little packages for the purpose of presenting to others. Children should also be taught charity on this day as they should be involved in works of charity. They can be asked to select old toys and clothes for the purpose of presentation to the less privileged.
