Traditions play a unique and important role in our life. Whether centered around a special occasion, holiday or simple day-to-day interactions, they are the constant we share with our loved ones to make lasting memories. Why do so many of us hold on to traditions and pass them on to our children? They help keep the legacy of our loved ones, who are no longer with us, alive. We cherish them for the nostalgia and sentiment. For the bond they build between generations and the stories they help preserve..

Last year at the start of the pandemic, my daughter and I made “Ramadan Welcome” packages that we sent to our neighbors, friends and family in order to spread dawah (inviting people to learn about and/or embrace Islam)and Ramadan cheer despite the circumstances. They were such a joy to make with my children and put a smile on everyone’s faces that I intend on making this a yearly tradition. This year I plan on incorporating my late mother-in-law’s (may Allah (S) have mercy on her soul) cookie recipe to sprinkle a little bit of her sweetness and kindness.

Our first Ramadan without her has been hard to comprehend, but keeping her legacy alive by passing on her traditions for my children to cherish has helped us cope.

As you welcome Ramadan with open arms, I want to extend our tradition in hopes of inspiring you to make a Ramadan welcome package of your own with your family and incorporating your own special touch. I've included some recipes to the goodies I made last year, a free blank Ramadan tag template, as well as a link to a Ramadan photo greeting card.

Let’s get started!

Author: Sana (IG:@misssanateaches)

1. In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar.

2. Mix in egg and vanilla.

3. Slowly add flour and salt. Mix until dough begins to pull from the sides of the bowl.

4. Place dough on a floured surface. Knead a few times. Separate into two balls. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

5. Roll out the dough to ¼’ thickness. Cut with moon and star cookie cutters.

6. Bake cookies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until the edges of cookies turn golden brown. Let completely cool before icing.

7. Ice your cookies! For the icing you can simply buy store-made, buy royal icing mix and simply add water, or try making your own!

You can use any cookie cutters you and your family like. To stay on theme for Ramadan, I prefer to use crescent moon and star shaped cutters. Here are some Islamic shaped cookie cutters by With A Spin. You can also find options on Amazon or your local craft and grocery stores.

Dates are an essential part of Ramadan, why not give them an upgrade? I made these delicious date balls for last year’s Ramadan welcome package, they were so good I ended up making them all month long. You can customize the nut choice and butter to your liking. I also played around with different toppings, such as unsweetened shredded coconut, and pistachios to roll the balls in for extra flavor, texture and pop of color.

For an even simpler option with only four ingredients, you can try Nutrition By Naz’s coconut date balls recipe.

If you’d like to step up your welcome package and add some surprises for the little ones in your bags, you can always get creative and include arts and craft supplies or a simple gift.

My daughter and I made these Ramadan Moon sighting binoculars last year and they were the highlight of the month. She has been waiting patiently all year to take them out again and to sight the Ramadan moon. Include the materials and stickers for the kids to make their own! These lanterns are also a great alternative and can be used as decor in your guests’ home. This Ramadan activity pack can also be incorporated into your welcome package and will be a great way to keep those little hands busy and minds off of food throughout the month.

Sending a personalized Ramadan greeting card with your kids or a family photo to loved ones or neighbors in your community has become my new favorite tradition that I hope to continue for years to come. Include one in your "Welcome Ramadan Package!" I started this last year, when the world was observing Ramadan in quarantine, with the aim of bringing the warmth of friendly faces into our loved ones’ homes.

This year, my talented friend, photographer and creative, Kadejah Zaghari hosted Ramadan Mini photo sessions that my family and I participated in. I will be using one of the photos from our session for this year’s card. Don’t worry if you don’t have any recent professional shots of your family. Last year I dressed up my kids in their Ramadan outfits, snapped some photos at home and uploaded them to one of Kadejah’s Ramadan e-cards. They made the perfect keepsake! You can choose to send them electronically in your family and friend chats, or print them off and mail them. I like to include them in our Ramadan welcome package.

After you’ve prepared your goodies, it’s time to write up a special note and package your items. I love customizing my messages and encourage you to write something personal for those you are sending the packages to. If you are sending some Ramadan cookies and date balls to your neighbors, this is a great opportunity to spread dawah and introduce the concept of fasting and why Muslims observe Ramadan. Keep it sweet and simple and invite them to ask you any questions they may have to keep the conversation going.

Here is a free printable to help you get started!

Then, take all your goodies and assemble them into a pretty basket or a box, adding whatever flares and decorations you want!

Sometimes preparing for Ramadan can feel overwhelming. Perfectly decorated homes and everyone sharing their Ramadan meal prep on social media can make you feel like you’re behind, I know that feeling all too well. Trying to get everything prepared and ready for the holy month – whether that's getting groceries for meals, decorating or sending out Ramadan greetings – can be overwhelming. Be sure to stop and breathe! Take a moment to renew your intentions.

Try not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and focus on what’s important – embracing this month with an open heart to soak in all of it’s blessings and enjoying this time with your family. You don't have to have it all together for the very first night of Ramadan. It’s never too late, so take it easy and enjoy the process.

We’d love to see how you customize your own “Welcome Ramadan Packages.” Don’t forget to share on social media and tag us #HauteHijab!