You know, each year I think the same thing. Fourth of July is just the best holiday. Really. It’s just a fun, happy time getting together with friends and family. Celebrated by everyone (ok – everyone in the U.S. to be specific), it’s one of the few inclusive holidays that is meant purely for celebration.

I think part of the reason I love it so much is that my town – my small, New England town – does a great job of making it fun. Nothing too fancy – it’s pretty “old school” actually. But we start with unbelievably good fireworks on the 3rd. People come from all over to see these – they really are that good. Each year it’s better and better, and more and more crowded!

My boys have been going since they were weeks old. My oldest, now 7, started when he was 8 weeks old, and my youngest when he was about 3 1/2 months old. On the boys, we always put those goofy but effective headsets that are made for blocking out loud noises. The ones that construction people use. Sure they look pretty dorky – but the boys wear them proudly and sit with jaws dropped watching the sparkling, noisy, fantastic light show without being bothered by the noise.

It’s a family affair for us – started when my sister first moved to this town about 13 years ago. Then when my husband and I moved here and my sister left, we took over the tradition. A barbeque then the mile trek into town, loaded up with beach chairs and blankets, with children in tow – the youngest in strollers. The boys get to stay up late, but invariably the youngest is asleep by the time we get home.

The next day, on the actual 4th, there’s a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall (that we slept through this year…) and a wonderful parade with bands, little league and lots of fire engines, police cars and local celebrities. That’s followed by a craft show on town green. Then the rest of the day is for neighborhood parties, wiffle ball and general relaxing.

I can’t wait for next Fourth of July…