Unlike with North American holidays where holiday parties precede the actual holiday, Eid parties always happen after Eid takes place. They can’t take place before, because it would be Ramadan anyway. So because of this, often times it can feel as if Eid stretches out for a while. At least for about two weeks. My weekend…
So today is the last Friday of Ramadan. Personally, I find Fridays really interesting. On my visits to Muslim countries, I’ve noticed that Fridays are a really big deal. Schools will let out early, stores will shut down, everyone rushes to perform the rites of a Friday. In some countries, Friday isn’t even a working…
When I was a kid, one of my favourite things about Ramadan was the pre-fasting meal/ suhoor/ sehri/ whatever you call it in your culture. As a kid I obviously didn’t fast, but I just thought it was really fun to see everyone in the house get up in the night to eat. I liked being…
So it’s been announced – for many Muslims around the world, Eid is tomorrow! In South Asian culture, the night before Eid is referred to as “chaand raat”, or in other words, the night when the moon is sighted. I remember while vacationing in Pakistan, once Eid was announced, everyone would rush out to the…
Have an iftar party to go to? Not sure what to take for your hostess? Make a little tea bags and cookies package. A box of goodies makes a nice hostess gift year round but since it’s Ramadan, you want to make it extra special. I think customizing tea bags is a really easy and…
One day, while I was working at Chatelaine last summer, my boss asked me to craft a round paper ornament. She was inspired by a craft she saw at an event hosted by Michael’s (the craft store) in NYC. She gave me the how-to for this paper ornament and I set off to work.The round…
In Muslim countries, Ramadan is such an incredibly festive affair. Having grown up in Canada though, I never really felt the “holiday spirit” until I was older and genuinely began to have an interest in practicing the religion. I imagine there are a lot of other poor North American kids out there who are going…
I think scent has a lot to do with any holiday. Sometimes, we associate particular scents with a holiday and when we get a whiff of that scent, it all of a sudden gives us an extra boost of “holiday spirit.” So to make the month of Ramadan feel more festive in your home, create…
It can get pretty awkward explaining to co-workers and peers that you can’t join them for lunch because you’re fasting. I think it makes a really nice gesture if you bring in treats for your office, letting them know the celebrations for Ramadan have begun. This way, they’ll feel like they’re part of the festivities too…