Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. When I was young, the Fourth of July was also my grandmother’s birthday, so, after a birthday dinner and cake, we would have mini fireworks in the driveway and buckets of sparklers. We’d then head over to the local resort hotel (by boat or car) to watch the fireworks once it got really dark. When I got older, the Fourth meant parties, of course — cookouts and cocktails! I love hot weather, I look pretty good in blue, and I love fireworks and fun drinks — what’s not to love about this holiday? I’ve even headed into Washington, D.C. to see the fireworks on the National Mall. While unbelievably crowded and hot, it is so special how everyone sits there together — peacefully — oooh-ing and awww-ing over the fireworks glittering in the sky over our nation’s capitol.
My how things have changed. (I feel old saying that. But as moms, don’t we always say that, basically every Friday night?) I realized my Fourths would no longer be Red, White and Booze the summer after my daughter was born. That particular July 4th, she didn’t nap and was melting down faster than a popsicle an hour before we were supposed to head to our friend’s party and fireworks. (We stayed home and watched fireworks on TV instead that year.) Now I have four kids, two too young to stay up and watch fireworks, and two who are scared of the noise! Last year, my husband set off little fireworks in the driveway while the big kids watched inside from the window. So much for a bang-up celebration. Now, I’ve learned to adjust my Fourth of July expectations but still have a great time with the kids. This year, we will be staying at home again, so our twins (who are just one year old) can nap and go to bed on time. But during the day, I have fun things planned and hope that by doing these activities, I can start to inspire in my older children a love of the holiday that celebrates their country.
A Celebratory Song
Red, white and blue. I love you.
Red, white and blue. I love you.
Sing for our country, sing for our country, sing for our country,
America, brave and true.
Sing for our country, sing for our country, sing for our country.
America, I love you.
My daughter learned the “Red, White and Blue” song at preschool. At the time, I thought it was just cute, but when I read the words, I realized it is a simple way to start sharing with young children a love of their country. Best part — clapping, marching, cheering for your country. What preschooler doesn’t love stomping their feet? Something to sing while we craft or bake the day away.
Patriotic Fourth of July Crafts
Since my kids are scared of fireworks, we will be making Martha Stewart’s Balloon Fireworks to pop in the backyard. Bonus — they’ll be a pretty decoration until my 4-year-old destroys them. For my daughter, we will probably try 
Fourth of July Popper Rockets (note, if you don’t stockpile empty toilet paper rolls, just buy card stock and staple it into tubes). The first time, I made these rockets without the confetti in them, but at 8 years old, she might be old enough to handle that part of it now. Since the balloon fireworks will rain glitter down anyway, might as well add some sparkle to the rockets. Need more ideas? Former JMB contributor Jessica Parker put together a list of Fourth of July crafts. Scour Pinterest for more — the crafts are endless and as easy as a blue Solo cup, star stickers and red and white crepe paper!
Personally, I’m really not a craft person — but what I do enjoy about crafts is the quiet time it creates for me to talk to my kids. There are great ideas here from Grandparents.com on how to explain and talk about the importance of the Fourth of July with kids of different ages. For my 4-year-old, explaining that the holiday is America’s birthday is about as complicated as I might be able to get. For my 8-year-old, who has a better sense of geography and really enjoyed our trip to Boston last year, I’ll probably go into more detail. Thanks to Google, I’ve found Fourth of July word finds and coloring sheets to do with the kids while the glue dries and the babies nap.
Festive Edibles
My kids love to cook, and red, white, and blue food is easy enough! My husband is going to tackle the grill, but inside we’ll make red-velvet cupcakes (mix from a box) with white icing and blue sprinkles. While those bake, I’ll have the kids help me make their favorite macaroni salad.
Meg’s Macaroni Salad
8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked al dente. Drain, mix while hot with enough mayonnaise to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. 3/4 cup chopped celery. Refrigerate 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serves four people.
I also will help them make red, white and blue fruit sticks — strawberry, banana and blueberries on a skewer. All that and a hot dog (or Publix fried chicken for a special treat) takes care of dinner!
After-Dark Sparkly Fun
And after dinner, when the babies are asleep, we’ll do sparklers in the backyard with the big kids. Once those are done, we’ll turn on the TV and try to find some fireworks and maybe watch A Capital Fourth on PBS with popcorn. Fireworks you can control the volume on — in the air conditioning! Win. I may not be out on a boat or at the beach, drink in hand, celebrating like I used to, or fighting the sweaty, loud crowds in downtown D.C., but I know we’ll be having a Red, White and Blue Fourth with some sparkly spirit. And sharing love for our country with our kids is what it’s all about anyway. Happy Birthday, America!
