10 Festive Ways to Celebrate Ramadan With Your Kids
The month-long holiday is a time for fasting, prayer, taking care of others, and introspection. While young children typically don't fast, they can still get involved in holiday prep and join Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast" that marks the end of this holy month.
Read
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
In this award-winning picture book, Lailah is excited to fast for the first time, soon after moving to a new country. But she worries that her new classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t eat lunch with them. The story is based on the author’s own experience immigrating to the U.S.
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan
With vivid illustrations and a sweet story, the narrative follows seven-year-old Pakistani-American Yasmeen as she celebrates Ramadan, The Night of the Moon (Chaand Raat), and Eid. Along the way, this beautiful book gives a great introduction to the history and modern celebrations of these holidays.
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
This anthology of short stories, which also includes poetry and illustrations, is perfect for middle-grade readers. The diverse collection, which highlights Muslim voices writing about Eid, is full of joy and features diverse families experiencing the holiday.
Craft
DIY Ramadan Pop Up Cards
Help your kids make these homemade pop-up cards from Picket Fence Arts, and then write notes inside to family and friends. The blue background and moon evoke a “Ramadan Nights” theme but you can customize these however you wish.
Ramadan Foam Lanterns Craft
This craft from Hello Holy Days includes a free printable, so you can easily cut out the foam pieces. Let your littles customize theirs with decorations, and then string them around the house to make things extra festive!
Bake
Star and Moon Shaker Cookies
These impressive-looking treats from Modest Munchies turn the star and moon symbols associated with Islam into a delicious cookies for Eid. Let your children roll out and cut the dough into shapes, while you crush Jolly Ranchers for the clear middle.
Date Pops
Dates are a traditional food during Ramadan, and Layali features three sweet recipes that use them in creative ways. Switch up the toppings on these pops to make them different every time.
Do
Iftar Boxes
Many families share Iftar boxes of food with their neighbors during Ramadan, often with some info about the holiday included for non-Muslims. These can be elaborate meals or small packages of treats. Have your children help you box up some family favorites to share with others.
Countdown Calendar
Help little ones understand the passing of days with a countdown calendar. There are tons of printables online, more elaborate versions to buy, or, you can create your own together.
Donation Jar
Help little ones understand the joy in giving to others by decorating a collection jar together, and then putting coins in throughout the month. When Ramadan ends, they can choose a cause to support.
