5 Tips to Celebrate Fourth of July in Quarantine

Traditionally, Fourth of July is one of the most social holidays of the year. Known for backyard BBQs, beach trips, and parades by day and gathering en masse to watch fireworks by night, it’s definitely the event of the season.

Of course, things are going to be a little different this year. By that, I mean a lot different.

For example, I live in Los Angeles, and all beaches, dine-in restaurants, and gatherings with anyone outside your household are currently off-limits. I mean, not that I would’ve done any of those things anyway, because gross, we’re in a pandemic people.

However, that doesn’t mean Fourth of July needs to be canceled.

Sure, the holiday is going to be different this year, but so far in 2020, that’s par for the course. Your kids are counting on you to make July 4th fun, and you can definitely do that without breaking quarantine.

Here’s a few ideas to create a pandemic-friendly July 4th celebration that’ll be fun, and weird enough for your kids to tell their grandchildren about some day.

1. Make patriotic food

You’re not hosting a party — or bringing a dish you’re famous for to one — but your family still has to eat. Food is a cornerstone of every celebration, so keep your traditions alive and make those Fourth of July favorites. You might have leftovers, but isn’t that even better?

Preparing your standards for the holiday will put you in a great mood, because it adds a sense of normalcy to the day. If your kids are old enough, put them to work too! They’ll have a great time helping, and you’ll have less work do to.

Also, don’t forget the alcohol — for parents only, obviously.

Personally, my husband and I are planning to center our menu around takeout cocktails from one of our favorite establishments. I mean, the fact that this is now a thing means 2020 isn’t all bad, right?

2. Have a backyard picnic

No one wants to sit at the dining room table on Fourth of July. Keep the festivities alive by eating outside — just as you would at a normal July 4th cookout. This is a tradition that’s easy to keep going without a crowd, and it only takes a little bit of extra effort.

If you don’t have outdoor space, spread a tablecloth down on your living room floor. Your kids will be delighted by an indoor picnic, because it’s always fun to do something a little different.

3. Watch fireworks on TV

If your local area is like mine, there won’t be any (legal) fireworks this year. This will please your pets to no end, but your kids won’t be as thrilled.

While it’s not the same as looking up into the sky to see fireworks, plenty of networks will be broadcasting Fourth of July specials on television, complete with these colorful bursts.

Some specials to consider include the “Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes,” “A Capitol Fourth,” and “Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks.” On the plus side, watching fireworks in your living room means no annoying crowds or traffic jams.

4. Dress festively

As Americans, we love donning ourselves in any possible form of red, white, and blue on July 4th. The good news is, this year you can incorporate sweats into the mix.

You’re not leaving the house anyway, so those patriotic boxer shorts and that seriously “vintage” t-shirt from the 1992 presidential election are both acceptable attire.

Make sure your kids also have something festive to wear, because when you dress the part, you just feel better.

5. Create a patriotic playlist

You can’t have a Fourth of July party without music, so create a playlist that includes plenty of festive favorites — even if this is the only day of the year you’d actually listen to some of these songs.

Here’s a few to consider:

· “Party in the U.S.A.” — Miley Cyrus

· “God Bless the U.S.A.” — Lee Greenwood

· “America” — Neil Diamond

· “Only in America” — Brooks and Dunn

· “American Girl” — Tom Petty

Switching things up with a dedicated playlist is fun, and it’ll serve as a reminder that it’s a holiday — since every day is the same in 2020.