5 Ways Fourth Of July Makes You Feel Like A Kid

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Of course, I love the patriotism and the meaning behind the day. But, the thing I love most is that the Fourth of July makes me feel like a little kid again.

When I was younger, my family and I would always take a vacation to visit my grandpa for the Fourth. Every year, we'd head to his small town's local parade and eat lots of Dairy Queen. So, the Fourth of July always makes me a little nostalgic for those times. Life was so simple when you were a kid, right?

Luckily, the Fourth of July is one of those holidays that has the ability to make you feel like you're a little kid all over again. Between the summer atmosphere, the festive and delicious food, fireworks, and parades, you can't help but recapture a little bit of that childhood wonder that makes the Fourth so great!

Sure, maybe now you're more concerned with firework safety, and the fact that you need to head back into work on Monday. But, just relax — it's a holiday. Take just this one day to kick back and enjoy the Fourth of July highlights that bring you right back to your youth.

1. Fireworks

With bright and colorful explosions lighting up the night sky, how could you not feel like a kid again? Fireworks always seemed like absolute magic when I was a child, and I still feel a little of that amazement when I watch them today. Except, now I don't need to sit there with my hands over my ears like a lunatic. I'm still tempted, though — those loud booms can scare the living daylights out of me.

2. Parades

Nothing makes you feel like a kid again like a good, old fashioned Fourth of July parade. Marching bands, brightly decorated floats, and some not-so-friendly competition to snag the most candy that gets tossed into the street make up the perfect recipe for a child-like holiday. I would literally push kids out of the way to grab a Tootsie Roll that was two inches away from the sewer. Delicious.

3. Festive Outfits

I don't care how old I get — I will always deck myself out in red, white, and blue for the Fourth. Hair bows, glitter, knee socks — there's no shame in my patriotic apparel game. When I was younger, my mom would surprise my brother and I with a new version of one of those Old Navy patriotic t-shirts (remember those?). So, I guess that desire for a themed outfit just stuck with me.

4. Delicious Food

Burgers, corn dogs, parade candy, and ice cream. The Fourth of July is nothing without messy, delicious, unhealthy, and patriotic food.

5. No Responsibilities

Remember when you were a kid and your biggest challenge for the day was finding the perfect spot to watch the fireworks? You probably have real-life responsibilities now. But, the Fourth always helps you to regain that simple, carefree attitude — at least for a day. So, forget about your daily responsibilities for now, and just enjoy celebrating and relaxing!

Images: Pixabay; Selbe, Tom Fowler LJTX, Randy Robertson/Flickr; Giphy (3)