By Doha News Staff
Ramadan has certainly been a different experience for us all this year here in Qatar. Although we may not be able to participate in the usual Eid-al-fitr celebrations with our friends and family, with a little creativity we can maintain traditions whilst celebrating at home.
Here are Doha News’s top 10 tips on socially responsible ways to celebrate Eid this year.
1. Dress up!
The malls may be closed and gatherings banned, but you can still shop online or find a hidden gem lurking in the back of your closet! Share pictures of your outfits on social media and add the hashtags #Eidoutfit and #Dohanews.
Tip: Host an online competition with your family and let your friends vote for their favourite outfit!
2. Make Eid cards for your friends and family
Making cards at home is a great way to keep kids busy whilst adding their personal touches for your friends and family.
Alternatively, why not browse hundreds of amazing photos and designs on Canva that your friends and family will love and cherish. It’s fun to do, just follow the 5 simple steps, download and share your card for free.
3. Make your Eid decorations
Making your Eid decorations, is an inexpensive and fun way to pass the time, all whilst making the house look great while you bond with the family. From lanterns to cards, candles to banners, check out Craftionary for lots of great ideas.
4. Donate food
Ramadan and Eid is the time for giving, so to supplement Zakat al-Fitr this year, why not give money to the appropriate charities who can donate food on your behalf
Many charities and delivery services are providing these services this Eid, Like Qatar Red Crescent, Wa’hab and Qatar charity (via Talabat).
The gesture and the food will help others less fortunate than ourselves to enjoy the special occasion of Eid too.
5. Apply Henna with your friends, virtually
Get your friends together on a Zoom call, share your designs and paint your hands, together. There are lots of traditional patterns available online, or if you’re feeling artsy, give it a go yourself.
6. Delicious Eid treats
No Eid celebration would be complete without a fabulous feast of delicious food and dessert! Save time by preparing food the night before, or if you want a treat for the family there are endless options for deliveries this Eid weekend.
Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, find some special Eid al-Fitr recipes on the BBC Food page
7. Take a Virtual Tour around the Museum of Islamic Art
Our favourite landmarks here in Doha may be physically closed, but many attractions have reopened their doors, virtually. Why not take a look around some of the magnificent exhibitions housed in the Museum of Islamic Art.
Tip: Start with the Highlights Tour, as it showcases ten masterpieces from MIA’s main collection and illustrates some of the major principles of Islamic Art.
8. Wish Eid Mubarak to your friends — but from afar
Put a smile on your friends faces by arranging a drive-by of their front door, to wish them an Eid Mubarak. Stay in your car (with your mask on of course) This way you can maintain social distancing whilst at the same time greeting loved ones in person and bringing a smile to their face.
Alternatively, arrange a time to do a zoom call with all your friends or family. Host a quiz or a fun game of bingo for the kids to make it all the more exciting.
Tip: Please remember no more than two people can be in the car, and also if a passenger will be joining you, you both are required to wear a face mask.
9. Online Eid Story-time for Kids
Keeping kids entertained whilst learning about the history of Eid al-Fitr can be a challenge, but there are hundreds of entertaining and educational videos to choose from online. This one by the Yogic Elephant is one of our favourites.
10. Create an Eid playlist
Eid is a time to celebrate and be joyous. Why not make an Eid playlist on Spotify and share it with your friends, or save time and download this Ramadan Playlist on Spotify now: http://tiny.cc/bzvapz
