During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, a holy month of spiritual reflection, fasting, and sacrifice.
If you're celebrating with kids, here is some Ramadan information to share, along with a few ideas for involving your children in the experience of the holiday.
* Read Children's Books About RamadanMiddle Eastern Cooking Expert, Saad Fayed, recommends five Ramadan books for kids (ages 4-8), including My First Ramadan by Karen Katz and Celebrating Ramadan by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (for older kids).
* Decorate Your Home for RamadanMuslim families sometimes decorate their homes with stars and crescent moons during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. You could hang paper versions of these celestial beings around the home, or hang white twinkly lights in your kids' rooms.
* Teach Your Child Appropriate Ramadan GreetingsDuring Ramadan, Muslim faithful greet one other by saying, "Ramadan Mubarak." This greeting, which means "blessed Ramadan," is just one traditional way that people welcome friends and passersby alike during this holy time. Teach your children this and other Ramadan greetings they can use.
* Celebrate GirgianHalfway through Ramadan, Muslim kids often dress up in costumes or traditional clothes and go door to door collecting candy and money from friends and neighbors.
* Involve Your Children in the Preparations
Ask your kids to help you make the meal each night during Ramadan.