We are in a country that has an unsingable national anthem, but it is different when Madison Rising sings it.
But why should you stop at the national anthem? Make a list of American songbook favorites (Oh Shenandoah; My Country Tis of Thee) or those songs that leave you feeling all American (Sweet Home Alabama, Born in the USA, American Pie). You can also choose a feature song mentioning the colors red, blue, or white. You can play your private copy of School House Rock as you drive with the windows down.
Taking a road trip to the National Mall
If you are near Washington, DC, you can decide that this year July 4 you are going to the National Mall. It is crowded. It is dusty. It will be something you remember for a long time because it is unforgettable. Looking at the ‘rockets’ red glare’ behind the Washington Memorial is going to feel ultra American (it is even better because of the plane taking off the Reagan Airport).
The next time you hear someone mentioning or talking about “a quarter of a million people”, you remind your children of how many people were present at the National Mall as the fireworks went off.
Being on a plane as the fireworks go off
If you plan on going out of town on the day, then consider booking your flight so you take off at 9:30 from DCA. You should sit at the side of the plane so you can see the crowd and the fireworks from above.
You can look for cities that you can fly out to during fireworks. You shouldn’t be doing this if it is dangerous.
Doing a red, blue, and white potluck
Barbecues and potlucks are clichés when it comes to Independence Day. But I think it is not a coincidence that blueberries and strawberries come into season around this time of the year.
You can add a twist to the traditional potluck by asking those coming to bring only red, blue, or white food. You get the chance of indulging in the crafty things you see on platforms like Pinterest. There must be that one thing you have always wanted to try out. Different people will have different ideas, which makes this an amazing idea.
Mounting a production
You can tell the kids that it is a tradition to have a show for Independence Day (If they don’t believe you, then reference John Adams). Tell them they have to sing some patriotic songs, dress up as historical figures, Recite the Preamble to the Constitution, and Write a play about Rosa Parks, Sacagawea, or Betsy Ross. Such activities can keep the children occupied for the whole day.
Going for the Jell-o firecracker shots
One of the most memorable things during the summer growing up was Jell-o. People have discovered that there is an even better way to use Jell-o, Firecracker shots on July 4th. You can use the spiked cherry recipe if you are making them only for adults. You don’t have to go with Jell-O, you can do the cherries.
Outdoor/Indoor movie fest
There is a reason why you have a brick-front colonial; you get the chance of watching a movie outside because you have a great black vinyl wall. There are great movies that work perfectly for Independence Day. You can do a little research and find movies that you think are going to be great for July 4th. It can be a musical, a war movie, a courtroom drama, a western, or a fictitious presidents.
Secret Uncle Sam
Secret Santa is something everyone knows. The real surprise is Secret Uncle Sam. Take a roll of white, red, and blue ribbon then tie some carnations to hang on doorknobs. You can also get white, blue, and red accessories at premierglow.com for this game.
Playing an American game and not just watching one
There are a lot of games out there that were invented in America. Some of them include baseball, basketball, dodgeball, or volleyball. You can also stay indoors and celebrate American games like Monopoly, The Game of Life, Scrabble, World of Warcraft, and Connect Four. There are a lot of games out there that were invented in America that will leave you feeling great because of all the fun it comes with.
Tagging your heroes
There are a lot of people we have to thank because of their role in our freedom. You are going to feel a sense of pride as you feel American. You are going enjoy every minute of your Impendence Day when you take time to plan out and enjoy it with your loved one. The above tips will go a long way in helping you have an amazing time with your friends and family on July 4th.
