Invest in candles

Eid is a time when we spend quite a bit of time with friends and/or family and eating, which remains one of our favourite activities as a nation. But the mixing of people, food being cooked in homes, hot weather and the very real possibility of load shedding leading to sweating can create pungent smells.

As science revealed, among our senses, the strongest is our ability to smell and combined with the scenario above can put you off. In such a situation, you don’t need to always invest in an expensive air freshener. In the coronavirus age, as people become entrepreneurs, a simple trick is to rely on candles, the kinds that need to be lit for 10 minutes and wash away the smell. However, this comes with what you like best. From Karachi Candle Company to Bath and Body Works to Hunza Candle, the choices seem endless. Do you go through the entire menu of candles available? Our advice: go with Honey, I’m Home Candles. Just cut through the many, many options and choose these. On their website, you’re told more about the operation and its product. “A homegrown, ethical, and organic company focused on creating awareness on lighting & purchasing pure, non-toxic products and upholding the very nature of quality with no corners cut. Our hand-poured artisan Scented Candles are created with 100% Pure Bees & Soy wax, the most refined fragrance oils from around the world, and pure cotton wicks.”

Our reason is that it has the most options that will not irritate your senses. From Moonlight Meadows to Ink & Poetry, The Holiday and Cupid, they offer variety, and the size can be determined based on your budget. There is the Signature Series, The Residence Series, The Hospitality Collection, plus more. You can stick to your favourites, or experiment but either way it will ease the fragrant elements a celebration like Eid can bring.

PS: It also makes for a good present.

Relive your favourite pieces of cinema

The holiday of Eid, celebrated around the country, gives a break where you can spend your day doing everything from catching up on reading to watching your favourite films in the hours when mingling isn’t exactly welcome. If you can, pick your favourite films, that changed how you see things. It could be a superhero film, an action film from the ‘80s or a science-fiction film like The Matrix or a sci-fi-meets-mind bending-love story like Inception.

Or, it could be a marathon of magic, like indulging in the entire catalogue of the Harry Potter films or rom-coms from Sleepless in Seattle to Music & Lyrics. Eid ul Fitr is one time where you can discover or rewatch your favourite films and favourite scenes from them and asking yourself why, leaving yourself open to introspection and enjoyment.

Rediscover old style

Whatever it was, no matter the decade you were born and grown in, we can guarantee it is back in fashion. Or, you’re like us, and don’t get mom jeans but at all.

However, one of eastern wear’s most forgiving and comfortable silhouettes makes a comeback this season, as hemlines drop lower, and tops become floatier. The late ’09, early ’10’s swirling kameezes are back with a delicate flutter, putting all bangs to shame. We remember loving the designs Daaman put out back in the day, and at the moment Khaadi has some pretty sweet pret styles too. Vibe through Eid in a stylish but comfy outfit, or take a break from being bedecked and bejeweled in bling to slip into something more comfortable.