Five Steps to a Sensory-Friendly Eid

Eid is right around the corner and the Muslim community is preparing for this special celebration. Parties are being planned, homes are being decorated, and plans are being confirmed. Although this is a very joyous time of year, for many children and adults, it can contribute to sensory overload and stress. Furthermore, Eid can be a particular challenge for children with sensory processing disorder or autism. For example, many children and adults experience sensory sensitivities for many different underlying reasons. For instance, the change in routine, interacting with extended family members, busy Eid gatherings, and visiting other people’s homes is often overwhelming. Therefore, a sensory-friendly Eid helps address sensory overload.

This blog post shares 5 ways you can create a sensory-friendly Eid for your family and friends this year.

Plan and prepare in advance

Firstly, it is important to prepare in advance for your Eid event. As this celebration differs from people’s daily routines, it is beneficial to plan to help your guests develop expectations for the event!

It is crucial to recognize the impact that a change in routine can have on people’s well-being. For many people with sensory sensitivities, structure within your day is essential. Routines help to regulate emotions and stress levels. Therefore, celebrations that disrupt this routine can be perceived as stress-inducing. This includes engaging in different activities, interacting with new people and eating unfamiliar food!

Therefore, it is important to prepare your child well before Eid. To do this, consider introducing your child to some of the Eid traditions in advance. This may involve giving your child the types of food that will be enjoyed on Eid. Additionally, practice greeting others with your child to avoid feelings of discomfort. An effective way of doing this is showing your child pictures, videos and books about Eid. This will allow them to develop expectations for how the event will look like and what the experience will feel like. Furthermore, this will give them the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns that they may have.

Introduce calming strategies and techniques

In addition to creating a sensory-friendly space, you can also introduce other calming strategies before or during Eid. There are a variety of different calming techniques that you can use. For example, consider providing sensory toys or having mindful movement sessions to release stress. This may include things like yoga, meditation or mindful breathing. By providing your child with these techniques, you will help equip them with the skills needed to help better regulate their sensory processing.

Communicate and change your family’s expectations

Additionally, it is important to communicate with your family how the Eid event may differ from the traditional celebration. For example, explain how the decorations, social interactions and environment may look different than what is initially expected. Ultimately, this will help your child feel more comfortable and avoid any confusion. Additionally, this will help other family members with sensory sensitivities understand the efforts you are making to help create a more inclusive event.

Create a sensory-friendly quiet room

It is essential to create a sensory-friendly environment at your upcoming celebration. At many events, the environment may be stress-inducing for individuals with sensory sensitivities. However, it is understandable that these celebrations will still sensory-rich in nature. An effective way to manage this is through creating a quiet zone. This is a separate closed-off area for guests to reside to when they are needing a quieter environment to relax in. Within this space, offer comfortable seating options and various sensory tools. This may include things such as fidgets, books or weighted lap pads. By offering this quiet area, you ensure that all guests have the opportunity to temporarily separate from the larger celebration.

Host Eid festivities in your own home

Lastly, another suggestion to help to create a more sensory-friendly is to host Eid festivities, like breakfast and dinner, at your home. As previously indicated, common issue for many children is fear of the unknown. This includes travelling to places that they may not be familiar with. For many children, not being aware of safe and comfortable places they can reside to if they are feeling more stimulated can be extemely overwhelming. Therefore, to minimize this issue, consider hosting Eid celebrations within your own home. If that isn’t possible, consider other family’s or friend’s homes that may be a suitable and comfortable option for your child.

This blog post highlighted vairous ways you can adapt your Eid celebration to be more sensory-friendly. Wishing you and your family a happy, sensory-friendly Eid! Eid Mubarak!

Interested in learning more about tips to adapt Muslim celebrations and traditions? Check out:

• How to Offer a Sensory-Friendly Taraweeh Prayer
• Host a Sensory-Friendly Iftaar Party 
• Five Steps to a Sensory-Friendly Ramadan
• How to Manage Sensory Overload at the Mosque 
• Host a Sensory-Friendly Eid Party
• How to Offer a Sensory-Friendly Eid Prayer

Uneeba Chutani( Occupational Therapy Student )

Uneeba Chutani is an occupational therapy student at the University of Toronto with an expected graduation in 2022.