Everyone loves a loud Fourth of July party with good music and friends, but a major part of the Fourth that is often overlooked is the family aspect of celebration. While big crowds of people and concerts are exciting, it can be a refreshing change, even for just one year, to spend a more quiet evening with your close family. If the idea of missing out on the things you only do on the Fourth is daunting, an easy way to make a family gathering feel more like a typical celebration is to grab some sparklers or small firecrackers to enjoy together. Depending on the restrictions where you live, you may not be able to light off full fireworks, but sparklers and poppers are usually not restricted in the same way and can be as much, if not more, fun than regular fireworks.
My family and I also have bonfires when we celebrate the Fourth together. We simply sit by the fire with our s’mores and watch the fireflies; it’s a great way to relax and catch up with family you may not see often. Parties with friends are great and all, but sometimes nothing beats writing your name in the air with sparklers and watching the sun set behind the trees with your family; I find that this reminds me of why we celebrate the Fourth of July hundreds of years later: because we can. Happy Fourth.