Celebrating the 4th with family

Whenever anybody asks me what my favorite holiday is I usually answer “Christmas.” It just seems like the obvious answer. I mean you get presents and all. Who doesn’t love getting stuff?

But this weekend I realized Christmas is so not my favorite holiday. It’s nice and all, but it’s a little stressful. I have to find the time to get all of our Christmas traditions done; picking out the perfect tree, putting it up, and getting it decorated, making cookies, going to Jesus’ birthday party, making soup for Christmas Eve dinner at my grandma’s house and so on. Plus I have to come up with the money to buy all these gifts for everybody. The December budget always skyrockets off the charts. And then there’s the big crash on the 26th. All that build-up for an hour of ripping through wrapping paper and 24 hours of playing with their new toys before the kids are already bored with them.

Nope, Christmas is not my favorite holiday. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday.

My cousin was born on the 4th of July. For many years he thought the fireworks were just for him; just for his birthday. He turned 20 this year so he’s fully aware that it’s actually a national holiday in addition to his birthday, but it’s still fun to get together with family to celebrate both.

Several years ago my grandmother passed away on July 3rd. She died of lung cancer. Before her death she picked out a spot at a nearby park. A spot right on the water. And she asked us to plant a tree in her honor. Every year on July 3rd, the whole family comes back to town for a family picnic. At grandma’s tree. Overlooking the water. Other than me and my grandpa, my dad’s side of the family has all moved out of state. But Grandma brings us back together once a year to celebrate her life.

For more than 20 years our city has held an annual race on the 4th of July. There is an 8K, a 5K, and a kid’s fun run. This year the 9- to 14-year-olds ran a mile, the 6- to 8-year-olds ran a half mile, and the under 6 kids ran a quarter mile. The kids really love this race. Even if it is pretty early in the morning. And even with the rain this year.

And, of course, the 4th of July wouldn’t be complete without ending the night with fireworks. I really enjoyed the show this year. They had fireworks that looked like hearts, stars, four-leaf clovers, and spirals. Plus the usual brightly light and super loud fireworks. It was wonderful.

It was an awesome weekend filled with non-stop family time. We ate so much good food at family breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We had lots of great conversation. And tons of laughs. That’s why the 4th of July is my favorite holiday.

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