How to Have a Special 4th of July

Don't let this 4th of July weekend go by as just another federal holiday. Do it up right by displaying your patriotism and your pride in being an American. Marking this most patriotic of our American holidays with special activities will make it a holiday you'll remember.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decorate the exterior and interior of your home with festive red, white, and blue decorations. You probably already have a tablecloth or centerpiece that you can build on to transform these basic items into something special. Explore your local "dollar store" for decorative items to jazz-up your patio area, table setting, front door, or mailbox.
   Displaying a flag outdoors is one of the most patriotic statements you can make. Locate the best spot for your American flag and display our flag with pride and appreciation.

2. Dig out some patriotic music whether it is the old classics such as "America the Beautiful" or "This Land is Your Land", or any of the other songs that have been around for years, but still have a message for us on America's birthday.
   There are many more contemporary songs centered on patriotic, U.S. themes. Look them on your computer and take time to reflect on the lyrics of these songs.

3. Make your meals special whether you prepare classic July 4th picnic fare or you go with your own favorites. Decorative accents, such as small American flags or colorful red, white, and blue straws available at a "dollar store" or party store can add so much to the specialness of a cold beverage, vegetable tray, sandwich tray, or desserts.

4. Find special events in your area, whether it's a fireworks display or July 4th parade. Take the extra trouble to get yourself and your family or friends to a special event to be with others who are acknowledging what this holiday means in terms of personal freedoms and a sense of belonging. Gratitude and pride should be the halllmarks of this day. Join others to mark the day of our independence.

5. Perhaps the fireworks display or 4th of July parade are not options or you want and alternative. Look for symphony or military band performances in your area that are bound to be presenting music on a patriotic theme. If there doesn't appear to be any live performances in the area, take a good look at your television listings for televised performances. These can be very moving and can mark the day with your patriotism and support of living in this great nation. Even if you have never done this before, you might truly be amazed how such a performance can make your July 4th truly meaningful this year.

6. Sometime during this uniquely American holiday, pause to consider our military serving our country on U.S. soil or abroad. Take a few minutes to find out what is going on in the world. It won't take long before you see how blessed we are to live in the United States of America.

7. Recall the kinds of things you did to celebrate the 4th of July when you were a child. Share these memories with someone else, an adult close in age, a younger person, or even and older person. The continuity of our celebrations, our traditions, are very important to the collective spirit that makes us Americans.
   Let's Celebrate our freedoms and our lifestyles by recalling all those who have gone before us who have contributed to our way of life as Americans.

[npsol]

on 7/1/2009 Great article - and reminder - to celebrate this 4th. 5*