What to Do on Your Fourth of July 3-day Weekend

The Fourth of July is a great weekend. We spend it celebrating our freedom and watching fireworks shows on the evening big day! We even get a 3 day weekend for all our celebrating. So what are you going to do to pay homage to our freedom? While you are pondering that questions, I'll tell you what I am doing.

Not going to church!
I usually attend a Unitarian Universalist church because they are so open and accepting. On my July 4th weekend, I will not be going to church so I can honor my freedom of religion. Regardless of whether you are the side of the debate that says there is a "wall between church and state" or if you are on the side that says it was never stated; the first amendment grants us the right to practice whatever religion we choose or the right to not practice a religion at all.

Print a controversial article
Before I head out to watch the spectacular display of fireworks around my city, I am going to practice two rights that I cherish, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. I'll plan to do this by writing an article that may be controversial and posting it. Why? Because we have the right to do that in the USA and we should use them!

Water gun fight!
Since we don't have any real guns, we are going to have a water gun fight with the kids in honor of our right to bear arms. While we don't have any guns, we could if we wanted to. Come to think of it, my mother-in-law has a small arsenal in her closet that her husband left behind. I learned to shoot, taught my children gun safety and took them out for target practice. While that may be controversial to some, they are better prepared in how to handle a weapon than any child we know out here in the city. If you have the means, teach a child about gun safety and responsibility.

Visit the elderly
If you go to any nursing home, you will find many elderly people who would love to have a visit from someone. I worked in a nursing home before and we had several residents who barely saw a visitor. They loved it when my children came to visit. Usually you can find a veteran who will tell you all about his time in service. Listen to them and thank them for protecting our freedom. Even if you can't find a veteran, find any elderly person and ask them about what they sacrificed for a war. I know many will tell you about what they did to help. Even a simple visit to pass out small flags or to say "Happy Independence Day" will make someones day.

Go to a park
Each state has State Parks and each have their own benefits. I love going to parks but especially on the Fourth of July. Fly a kite, play capture the flag, play hide and go seek or a simple game of tag. Get active and enjoy the day! Have a picnic, go for a walk. Relax and fun!

Home Projects
My husband is going to work on our boat (we live aboard) on the 3 day weekend. If you want something else to do and want to feel productive, pick a project around the house (or two) and complete it. Have painting that needs done? A drawer that needs fixed? A screen you've been wanting to replace? Go ahead and fix it now! You'll feel great once your FREE of that project.

Whatever you do this Fourth Of July, enjoy your freedom, eat great food and enjoy the fireworks!