Making July a True Blast
by Anita DiGregory
Mmmm…July! What a wonderful month. Typically, the pace of life slows just a bit. As we begin to relax and exhale into summer, we, as a country, come together to celebrate the birth of our nation.
This year, we observe our 242nd birthday—that’s a lot of candles! During those years, our country has experienced joys, sorrows, successes, heartache, victories, sufferings, triumphs, and rebirths. Through it all, in July, as a nation we unite to celebrate independence and freedom, dedication and service, equality and diversity, family and friends.
With parades, concerts, memorials, and fireworks, we proudly commemorate our nation, our flag, and that for which it stands. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
This month as you and your family hit the beach or pool, visit local carnivals, host cookouts, or attend local firework displays, I wish you all a safe and blessed time, filled with beautiful family memory-makers. Here are some additional fun activities to share with the ones you love.
Share a story. Studies have repeatedly shown the importance and benefits of reading aloud with our children. These storybooks make explaining the birth of our nation more understandable to even young readers (and listeners): The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia Pingry, The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing, The Berenstain Bears God Bless our Country by Mike Berenstain, and The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh.
Host some games. Celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors. Try hosting backyard olympics. Games could include a volleyball tournament, water balloon battle, egg toss, kick-the-can game, relays, and a hopscotch competition.
Fashion food festivities.Organize a fun, old-fashioned block party. Invite neighbors to bring their favorite foods to share. Or host a family barbeque. Create yummy red, white, and blue favorites. Finish the night with some delicious, gooey s’mores.
Let your red, white, and blue shine. Decorate your home in our nation’s colors. Have the kids help you display the flag. Take the opportunity to talk to them about our flag, its history and importance, and how to care for it.
Say “Thank you.” Take the opportunity to talk to your children about those who have served and continue to serve our country. Have them write a thank you letter or make a card or gift, and help them deliver it to a relative or neighbor who has served our country.
Take some time to reflect. Visit a memorial. Take a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Visit your church and light a candle or say a prayer for our country and those who have sacrificed for freedom.
Create colorful crafts. Kids of all ages love crafts, and what better time for crafting than in celebration of the fourth of July. The Web and Pinterest have lots of ideas from which to choose, and they don’t have to be expensive. We took a trip to the local dollar store for supplies and created a patriotic lantern, centerpiece, and wreath. The kids had a blast and love seeing their creations decorating the house.
