Things to do at home during Ramadhan

Just because Ramadhan feels a little different this year, what with social distancing and lockdown protocols in place thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful compared to previous years.

For parents with young kids, this is the best time to bond with your little ones while teaching them the values of Ramadan. Look for Ramadan-focused or themed books that you can read together so your children will better understand the importance of the holy month.  

Another great way to get the children involved during Ramadhan is by baking Raya cookies together! This will keep them busy and if they suggest wacky recipes, why not try them out? Who knows, there’ll be a new cookie flavour to share with everyone this year. Those without kids can of course still do this, there’s definitely no excuse for you to not bake your own Raya cookies this year!

One of the highlights of Ramadhan is spending iftar or buka puasa with family and friends, enjoying delicious food together after a whole day of fasting. Social distancing is making that difficult but just like how concerts and meetings are going virtual now, you can also gather your loves ones remotely and enjoy a nice meal together.

If you’re missing the hustle and bustle of a Ramadhan bazaar, you can try to recreate a mini version of it at home. You probably won’t have a lot of choices (there’s only so much of the food you can make in your own kitchen) and your “customers” will only be your family members or housemates, but it will make for one memorable Ramadhan 2020 experience.

While not a new thing, it’s definitely an essential component of this year’s Ramadhan. Of course, this can be done from the comfort of your home as long as you have Internet access. Aside from this, other good deeds (Sadaqah) you can do this month include helping your elderly neighbours get their grocery online and delivered safely to them as well as donating to COVID-19 funds.