Invest in Experiences with Children

As you look for gifts to buy for your children for Eid, consider experiential gifts rather than material gifts. The material things you buy will become old and forgotten quickly but memories will stay with your children longer. We all know this instinctively. The Science of Happiness says that if you invest in experiences, stop to savour them and show gratitude then you'll be much more happy.

1. Experiencing

Researchers actually studied this and recommended that for us to be happy we need to stop buying things and focus on experiences. Even though it may be hard to take our children to places at this moment in time, here are some ideas to give them an experiential gift.

Have a BBQ in your backyard and play their favourite games.

Have a virtual Eid party with relatives and friends.

Organise a treasure hunt throughout the house and backyard.

Cook a special Eid breakfast such as a Turkish/Ertugrul style breakfast (or whatever style your children are into).

Give coupons for scheduled experiences such as a massage, playing a favourite game.

2. Savouring

While celebrating the joy of Eid ul Fitr, don’t forget to savour the happy moments. Savouring is being mindful of the moment and appreciating the experience. People who stop to savour the experience are more happy, feel more positive and are more resilient.

When you see your child experiencing joy, help him to savour it and express it. Say “I see you have so much fun there!” or “That looks like so much fun doing that!” or “How did that feel like?” etc.

3. Gratefulness

There are 2 types of gratitude that we need to feel daily. One is to Allah and the other is towards people.

Think of 1 thing you’re grateful to Allah for today. Show that gratitude by obeying Allah.

Another way to show gratitude to Allah is to thank people. Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd).

Think of 1 thing you’re grateful to someone for today. Show that appreciation by telling that person or writing a thank you note and giving it to him/her today. Research says that when you do this, you not only make that person happier you’ll make yourself happier as well..

A happier you means a happier family InshaAllah.