5 tips for creating a festive home for Ramadan

Like all holidays Ramadan has its share of special ways of decorating and marking its meaning. Take a look at these tips for ideas on how to decorate and celebrate this family holiday.

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslim families. It's a time during which Muslims fast during sunrise and sunset, and the occasion is used for reflection and finding compassion for those who have been less fortunate over the past year.
Remember, this time only comes around once a year, and it can help you get in the spirit of the holiday by making your home feel festive and welcoming to guests. Some great ideas for getting your home in the spirit of Ramadan are outlined below.

You can get into the holiday spirit by decorating your home. The fireplace is central to Ramadan decoration. Take a look at these ideas:

• Hang a sign over the mantel and on the front door that says "Ramadan Kareem" to help your guests get into the mood of this special holiday.
• Decorate the dining area where you will eventually enjoy the Eid meal with lanterns, candles, colourful banners, and more.

In many Muslim countries, lights are considered a traditional part of Ramadan. String these lights across the fireplace and along your stairs for a dramatic holiday look. You can also set out decorative lanterns that have tea lights in them.

One of the most festive things you can do during Ramadan is create a display, and involve your kids in the process. Follow these steps:

• Choose a table that sits in your entryway to showcase the display.
• Add decorations such as a countdown jar, posters, and strings of lights and lanterns. Let the kids add some of their own ideas, as well. For example, they can create stars by gluing popsicle sticks together and painting them, or they can create drawings and banners of a crescent moon and star.
• Teach your child about the holiday and allow them to create pictures and sculptures of the things they learned.

Ramadan is all about creativity and spending time with family. Gather your family together and create your own traditions.

For example, one popular tradition for families is to gift money to children before you eat the special Eid feast. Instead of simply handing out money, families could hide the gifts for the children and let them find it as a game.

You should share your blessings during this important time of year. You could bake treats with the kids, pack them up, and then give them out to friends, relatives, and those that are less fortunate.

Ramadan is a festive time of year filled with joy, gratitude and loved ones. Enjoy the holiday in traditional ways combined with your own touches. These tips will give you some great ideas.