![\"children_eid.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.beliefnet.com\/sites\/189\/import\/children_eid.jpg\")
Now that Ramadan is slowly drawing to a close, take a few moments to think about the ones not fasting — the little ones who sneak a date from the iftar<\/i> table at sunset while everyone is frantically getting ready to eat, the ones who are usually asleep in the morning while the adults wake up to eat their pre-dawn meal and pray, the ones that unintentionally taunt the fasting grownups with ice cream cones and juice drinks. That’s right – what about the children?\nFor much of the month, children are merely bystanders, exempt from the fasting until they reach puberty and, perhaps, many of the optional prayers (though they are encouraged to learn). But kids are kids, they see how religious festivals and holidays in other religions often emphasize the “fun stuff” – the Christmas trees and presents, the Hanukkah dreidels and songs, the colorful dances of Holi.
\nBut Ramadan does have its share of “fun stuff” too, centered around the 3 day holiday of Eid, expected in a few days time. Eid in a predominantly Muslim country is as colorful and vibrant as the Christmas season is here in America. Over here, we’re still working on ways to create a similar atmosphere for Muslim Americans and their children — and we’re not quite there yet.<\/p>\n