With the continuation of social distancing and safety measures during Covid-19 the upcoming Eid celebrations will look a little different this year.

For families preparing to celebrate, it is still just as important and very possible to make the occasion blessed and fun in-spite of the restrictions on gatherings at this time.

Never have we been more mindful of what we hold dear and where our gratitude lies making this festival as important as ever. While holding the true spirit and meaning of Eid close to our hearts, we can be inventive and creative and put effort into making this a very pleasant and memorable occasion.

Whilst this holiday will be different for adults, children may also miss out this year on the excitement and hustle and bustle of a large gathering of family and friends, but with a little resourcefulness there is no need for them to miss out on the spirit of Eid.

Planning for Eid celebrations

Most children find the build-up to any event or celebration full of excitement. This can be achieved whether you are going out or not. A great way to make the home feel special is to decorate for the festivities with homemade decorations. These are simple enough for children to create and it makes them feel fully involved in the preparations.

Baking and cooking

As well as involving young children in the planning and preparation of the celebration dishes, you can also build up excitement by baking festive cookies and sweets. There is nothing like the feeling of everyone pitching in together with preparations to create beautiful memories for little ones at this time.

Dressing up

Dressing up is part of the tradition during the celebration of Eid, and it could be tempting to not bother too much when not going out to the Mosque or visiting with relatives or friends. Making the effort will make the day seem more special and exciting for the children; fancy dress for the little ones is an option for fun and festivity as everyone will be staying at home.

Planning the day

Creating a plan for the day and involving the children is both enjoyable and a way of managing expectation. This helps young ones know the time for prayer, play and feasting with their family.  Being restricted to our home has the advantage of time to spend with immediate family to play games, to sing, dance, tell stories and be together in a way that travelling and visiting can interfere with.  

Connect online

It can be sad to feel separated from loved ones at this time, especially relatives – those we would normally be able to hug and spend time with in person – Eid is all about coming together. We are blessed with the opportunity to connect online; whether it is setting up a call where Grandparents and Grandchildren can spend time together chatting and sharing stories, or whether it is to have loved ones virtually present at your table.

With a little planning you can stay connected with family and friends and have a true sense of togetherness virtually if not physically.  Children can still have the joy and excitement of preparation. In decorating their homes with homemade ornaments, in dressing up and planning the celebrations they will feel the sense of occasion and can enjoy having their close family all to themselves on what will still be a truly blessed celebration.