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In the United States of America our work and vacation schedules have come to revolve around the convenient timing of our nation's Independence Day. This mid-year celebration defines the turning point when many of our annual efforts begin to wind down for the second half of the year.
The Fourth of July is the undisputed warm weather leader of the holiday calendar in the States. Many people plan vacations to coincide with this holiday and many municipalities throughout the country plan their most expensive festivals for this time. The very serious historic story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence often shares the stage with summer picnic motifs.
From a party decoration stand point the fireworks and watermelons tend to capture more of our attention these days. Maybe the leggy Uncle Sam could still serve at least as a centerpiece on picnic tables. Some small reminder of the true meaning of Independence Day can be implied with flags. Wind socks of old glory or toothpicks bearing tiny red, white and blue paper flags inserted into cupcakes may be all that is needed.
Regardless of Independence Day celebration plans the most important thing is to be armed with the right answers when children ask about fireworks and so on. They often don't know what the symbolic importance of these routine holiday elements represents. Questions always occur to the tiny ones so plan ahead with good answers.
This may be a good occasion to read bedtime stories about the founding fathers. It could simply be enough to discuss these matters in the car while driving to the beach or town fireworks display. The importance is that children understand the reason for the parties and frivolity is really a very serious one.
Make sure that the history isn't lost in the holiday.
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