As salamu alaykum,

 

Shokran for writing in to our live session with your concerns.  Yes, this is the time wherein non-Christian children often get caught up in the holiday season of festivities.  Muslim children, as well as Jewish children, may go through this and it is somewhat of a dilemma for parents.  It may be even harder as your daughter attends a pre-school which is in a church.

 

As your daughter is still young, it is understandable that she is excited about all the activities around her, what child wouldn’t be.  However, she is at an age wherein you can begin to teach her about the meaning of Christmas and how it relates to Isa (PBUH) and how as Muslims we do not hold those beliefs.  I would kindly suggest that insha’Allah you begin by getting some age-appropriate children’s books on the origins of Christmas.  Teach her the basics of what Christmas means to Christians.  Next, get some books on Eid celebrations and begin to teach her about Eid.

 

At four years old, these books will have to be more illustrative with colors and possibly textures if you can find some books with textures.  Children at this age are drawn to and engaged by colors, textures, tastes, sounds, smells, etc.  That is part of the fascination with Christmas as well-all the colors, lights, wrapping paper, singing songs, smells of food, cookies, ect.  Even adults fall susceptible to these kinds of stimuli.  So naturally, a child will be attracted to these kinds of festive stimuli.

 

I really like your idea about starting to decorate for Eid.  Even though it is very early, you can begin to prepare your child for Ramadan & Eid by placing things around the home relating to Ramadan & Eid.  I would caution against using things that are too closely related to Christmas right now such as lights and little gifts as it may confuse her.  I would however kindly suggest that you start doing some creative activity with her that relates to Eid.

 

You can begin to make Eid cards with her, Ramadan greetings, take her shopping for a special prayer rug to use during Ramadan and Eid.  Let her pick out a few pieces of children’s jewelry to save for Eid.  There are many little things you can do to teach her about Eid as well as help her prepare for Ramadan and Eid now.  You may want to have a special time wherein you and her have milk and dates, especially after a long day and before dinner.  Explain to her how fasting is traditionally broken with dates and milk and how special it is.  As time progresses and we pass the Christmas season, you may wish to begin to decorate more with lights and such.

 

This will show her that Eid is a separate holiday for Christmas and has a different meaning.  This way of introducing Eid using teachable moments and visual, tangible materials will insha’Allah move her away from the excitement of seeing the Christmas holiday and move her into a space wherein as she learns and sees more of our wonderful holidays she will be just as excited when Eid finally arrives.  Finally, get her involved in children’s groups and social outings at your Masjid or Islamic Centre.

 

Often times during the Christian holidays, some Masjids are sensitive towards the need of keeping our children engaged and focused on Islam and offer more activities for the children.  Having playmates to do things with who are Muslim will help as well insha’Allah.  We wish you the best sister, and enjoy your Eid journey with your daughter!