In the past, as the holy month of Ramadan would draw to a close, families would have been gearing up for a myriad of Eid celebrations across the city. This year, however, during these very exceptional times, the UAE government is advising us to avoid large gatherings in order to keep everyone safe. So with that in mind, not being able to practice our Eid traditions as we are used to, we are looking at ways to celebrate at home.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr (roughly translated to “festival of ending the fast”) is a celebration after a whole month of fasting for Muslims.
On this day, Muslims are encouraged to dress in their fancy clothes and usually attend a special Eid prayer at their neighborhood mosque. This weekend, Muslims are asked to do their prayers at home instead.
Eid is also a time where families donate to charity, give gifts to their children, enjoy a feast with their loved ones, and are encouraged to settle any feuds in their lives.
So how can we celebrate at home this year?
Dress Up In Your Fancy Clothes
Yes, do it. You might not be going out to visit your friends, grandparents or other relatives, but getting dressed up is definitely going to make it feel a lot more like a special occassion.
Bake Some Snacks
Easy Maamoul Recipe
Maamoul is a cookie-like nut-filled pastry. It can be filled with a variety of nuts but is best made with walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. This maamoul recipe is not only easy but delicious!
Easy Sugar Cookies
Super simple sugar cookies that you can cut and shape into whatever you’d like! You can even top the cookies with cinnamon, sugar, icing and more.
Have A Virtual Visit
Eid is all about coming together with your friends and family, so if you can’t physically go there to be with them, get on Zoom and have a virtual gathering. Your kids can huddle up for some Eid stories with their grandparents, and you can even set a place at the table for your virtual guests.
Play Some Games
Charades
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that give the greatest fun and giggle. Here are 101 ideas for you and your kids to act out.
Moon & Star Tic Tac Toe
Take this homemade Tic-Tac-Toe set with you wherever you go, or even pull it out at home to play against your family members.
Spot The Difference
Getting the family together for some fun games doesn’t have to be a hassle. All you need is some enthusiasm and a few things lying around the house.
Make Eid Crafts & Decorations
DIY 3D Stars
Decorate your home with 3D stars using simple materials you have at home. Have your little ones insert the stars together to make 3D shapes, and decide where to place them around your house.
–WHAT YOU’LL NEED–
Cutting mat
Cutter
Scissors
Pen or pencil
Straight edge
Card stock
Star pattern (or draw your own)
–STEP 1–
Cut out star shapes with scissors on thick card stock paper (use a star template if you prefer).
–STEP 2–
Use your straight-edge and a cutter to cut out the star shapes. Adults will need to do this step.
–STEP 3–
You will now need to find the center-point of your star shapes. To do this, line your ruler up with the point of one corner and then angle it straight down to the nearest v shape. Mark the center-point with a pencil.
–STEP 4–
Take your straight-edge and cutter and cut a line starting from the center-point of one of your stars and ending at the tip of the star. Do the same on the 2nd star, but this time cut a line from the center-point to the bottom v shape.
–STEP 5–
Slide your star shapes together to create a 3D star form.
Eid Greeting Card
We have created a free Eid Mubarak greeting card that you can simply print and colour in – but if you’re feeling extra crafty, try out this pop-up card for Eid that you can either give away or place on a shelf or table as decoration.
Cotton Ball Sheep
This cute little Eid craft is perfect for your kiddies as they work on their sensory skills while having fun.
–WHAT YOU’LL NEED–
One sheet of card stock in green colour, and about half sheet in black
Pencil
Glue
Scissors
Cotton balls
Pair of googly eyes
–STEP 1–
Cut four legs, tail and sheep’s head in black. Then set it on paper and draw sheep shape.
–STEP 2–
Glue all pieces, but leave ears for now. Then you can start gluing cotton balls
–STEP 3–
When all is done, glue googly eyes. And your simple sheep craft is done.
Eid Paper Banner
Cut out and hang your own Eid Mubarak banner on your wall or doorway.
–WHAT YOU’LL NEED–
String
Pair of scissors
Hole punch
–STEP 1–
Cut out all the different flaps
–STEP 2–
Punch two holes on each of the flaps
–STEP 3–
Pull a string through each of the flaps and hang it up
DIY Moon Piñata
An Eid decoration with a twist, this moon piñata can work two ways. Of course, you can fill it with candy but you can also just use it as decoration. This technique of making a piñata (instead of paper mache) goes so quick and has a lot less mess. Your little ones can even help you cut the frills and glue them on too.
–WHAT YOU’LL NEED–
Cardboard
Tape
Scissors
Paper
Glue
–STEP 1–
Cut out two identical crescent shapes
–STEP 2–
Cut out a long rectangle shape that will tie the two crescents together
–STEP 3–
Fold the thin, tissue-like paper into frills
–STEP 4–
Tape the two crescents and the rectangle together.
–STEP 5–
Glue the layers of paper on top of each other.
How are you celebrating Eid Al Fitr this year? Share your moments with us on your socials by tagging @kidzappuae
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