It's almost America's birthday. And if you haven't begun to plan your birthday celebration now is the time to get started. Here's some tips from Healthy Happy Impactful
1. Sing Great Songs
Most of us already take the time to do or see some fireworks. So, while you wait for them, open up Pandora or another app and listen to a playlist of American-themed songs.
Favorites Include:
“America” by Simon & Garfunkel
“God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood
“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen
“American Saturday Night” by Brad Paisley
“American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz
“American Pie” by Don Mclean
Check out this article for your best patriotic playlist.
If kids are around, be sure to break out the glow sticks and catch fireflies, and of course, don’t forget the snacks. Waiting for fireworks is half the fun!
2. Go Someplace Unique to You
This is the most flexible of 4th of July traditions, so make it your own! Choose a special spot that you go to every year with your family or friends.
Maybe it’s a hike at a local lake, or a lunch picnic, or hitting up a nearby ice cream shop.
Find something that everyone will look forward to and make it a new tradition! The sky is the limit on this one, and you don’t have to wait for night to have fun.
3. Read the Declaration of Independence
This holiday is about America, so what better way to celebrate it than to discuss its history. What do you know about how this country was made?
Check out the Declaration of Independence and add a little learning into the day. Plus, it will foster great discussion and appreciation!
Enjoy more fun and test your knowledge with these USA Trivia Quiz Questions.
4. Check Out a Parade
Parades are in full force on this day. So, if you love the idea of getting some fresh air with family and friends, check out your local festivities. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and cooler.
5. Have a Cookout
If there’s ever a time to get the grill going this is it! Nothing represents summer like the 4th of July!
So, get those hamburgers and hotdogs grilling and enjoy all of the traditional summertime produce like corn on the cob and watermelon. Invite someone over (if you can) and make it memorable.
6. Play Outdoor Games
Don’t forget the games at that cookout! This is a perfect time to teach the kids how to play or get a hardcore adult game going. We rarely think to put out our outdoor games, so this is a great reminder to be playful during our holiday time!
Fun, inexpensive, and EASY games include:
Bags or Corn Hole
7. Make 4th of July Food Traditions
And, of course, what’s a holiday without food traditions! Insist on some easy patriotic food for this day.
Luckily, blueberries and strawberries make just the right colors! So, get out some fruit with whipped cream, make yogurt pops, popsicles, or a homemade fruit pie.
There are tons of simple, healthy recipes on the internet.
8. Take a Patriotic Family Photo
Next, document your good times with a photo of whomever you spend the day with.
If you do this every year, you’ll have a terrific snapshot of the unforgettable memories that were made and the way your tribe changed throughout the years.
Feeling really industrious? Deck your family out in 4th of July outfits and show your spirit!
“I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.”
– WENDELL L. WILKIE
9. Hang Your Flag
Regardless of our political beliefs and backgrounds, we are crazy blessed to call this country our home. So, show a little pride, and put out a flag or banner.
It’s a fantastic reminder of how lucky we are to live in a country where we have the freedoms that we do and the sacrifices that others make for it.
10. Try Some New Kid Activities
Lastly, do some fun 4th of July activities with the kids! This cute scavenger hunt from Moritz Fine Designs will keep them busy.
Or break out the crafts. We love making firework paintings on this day. If you find some bright neon paint, it even looks awesome on black construction paper. It’s a super simple activity that doesn’t require much clean up!
11. Movie Theater
So many big blockbusters are released in the summer! Why not make it a tradition to go see a movie on the 4th? It’s a stress-free commitment that everyone will look forward to in the late morning or afternoon.
12. Name Fireworks
We all love watching and lighting fireworks but add a new twist. Take turns naming the different fireworks you see in the sky. Extra points to the most creative
name of the night!
13. Lobster Races
This one is too interesting not to mention!
In the city of Bar Harbor, Maine, a handful of lobsters race against one another throughout the day. Visitors put $1 bets on the lobster of their choice and cheer for their favorite! If you’re looking for something unique, this is it!!!