Remember when Ramadan felt different? The streets were alive with lanterns, TV shows were a family affair, and every night felt like a mini Eid. But somewhere along the way, that vibe faded. Instead of gathering around the TV for Fawazir, we’re now binge-watching on our phones. Instead of spontaneous sohour runs, we’re stuck in overpriced, overhyped Ramadan tents.

But here’s the thing—Ramadan hasn’t lost its magic. We just changed how we experience it. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, the good news is: you can still bring the old vibes back! Here’s how:

1. Swap Solo Streaming for Family TV Nights

One of the best parts of Ramadan used to be watching TV together. The Ramadan mosalsalat (series) were a shared experience, with everyone debating plot twists between bites of atayef. So instead of streaming alone on your phone, why not make it a family event again? Gather everyone around the TV, make tea, and argue over which show is actually worth watching.

2. Skip the Overpriced Ramadan Tents—Go for Traditional Experiences

The fancy Ramadan tents look good on Instagram, but they rarely feel authentic. Instead, visit places that have a real Ramadan atmosphere, like:

Local Sohour Spots – Skip the fancy sohour and hit the old-school foul and ta’meya joints.

Al-Moez Street & El-Hussein – Full of Ramadan lights, street food, and live performances.

El-Sayeda Zeinab Mosque Area – A spiritual and cultural experience combined.

3. Bring Back the Ramadan Decorations

Remember when every house had colorful decorations, paper lanterns, and those DIY fanous chains? Well, there’s no rule saying adults can’t decorate too! Get creative, make your own Ramadan corner, and fill your home with colors and lights—it instantly shifts the mood.

4. Have Real Gatherings—Not Just Group Chats

Ramadan used to be the time when family and friends actually met up, not just sent “Ramadan Kareem” texts. Plan an Iftar or sohour at home, invite loved ones, and just enjoy each other’s company without checking notifications every five minutes.

5. Give Back—Ramadan Is About Kheir

One of the most beautiful things about old-school Ramadan was the sense of community. Instead of just donating money online, try:

• Volunteering at a ma’edet rahman (charity iftar table)
• Packing Ramadan boxes for families in need
• Helping distribute sohour meals to workers on night shifts

Trust us, nothing will bring back the real Ramadan spirit like acts of kindness.

6. Revive the Art of Mesaharaty

Okay, maybe you don’t need to walk the streets with a drum, but how about being the virtual mesaharaty for your family and friends? Instead of setting an alarm, make a group chat and take turns waking each other up for sohour—bonus points if you send voice notes with traditional Mesaharaty chants.

7. Bring Back the Ramadan Street Games

Remember when kids played in the streets after Iftar, running around with lanterns and playing games like estoghomaya (hide and seek) or sab’awy (jumping over each other)? Encourage kids in your family to put their phones down and experience real Ramadan fun.

8. Swap Cafés for Home Sohour Nights

Instead of heading to a crowded café for sohour, why not host it at home? Lay out some floor cushions, serve classic sohour dishes, and play some good old-fashioned board games (tawla, kout bo sharia, or even cards). You’ll save money and actually enjoy quality time.

9. Blast the Ramadan Music

Where did all the Ramadan songs go? Ramadan Gana, Wahawi Ya Wahawi, Ahlan Ramadan—these used to be everywhere! Create a playlist of classic Ramadan songs and play them while cooking, decorating, or even just chilling at home.

10. Do for Taraweeh, Stay Up for Tahajjud

One of the most peaceful memories of Ramadan is staying up late, not for scrolling or Netflix, but for the spiritual moments—whether it’s praying Taraweeh, reading Quran, or just reflecting in silence. Dedicate at least one night a week to reconnect spiritually.

11. Try Cooking Ramadan Classics Instead of Ordering In

We get it—delivery is tempting. But nothing beats the smell of fresh atayef being fried at home or a homemade qamar el-din drink. Dedicate one night to cooking classic Ramadan treats from scratch—it’ll bring back some core memories.

At the end of the day, Ramadan is what we make of it. The vibe isn’t gone—it’s just waiting for us to bring it back. So let’s stop complaining about how Ramadan zaman kan a7la and actually make an effort to recreate those feelings.

What’s one thing you miss about old-school Ramadan? Tell us in the comments.