If I was a bit more ambitious, I would like to give 1776 reasons why Independence Day is the best holiday, but I think we'd all give up before the next Fourth. So instead, we'll celebrate those original colonies and the number of stripes on our Star Spangled Banner.

1. America.

Sure we have our flaws, like our choices for Presidential candidates, but at the end of the day, the US of A are something to celebrate.

2. It's a happy holiday.

Some holidays, like Memorial Day or Thanksgiving, are bittersweet or downright sad. Not this one.

3. It's not religious.

No need for religious ties here. Christmas and Easter are only celebrated by Christians, but the Fourth of July is for everyone ... except the British.

4. We're not British.

This one may seem like a low blow, but I personally am eager to celebrate the fact that we steered clear of that Brexit-EU mess.

5. No work.

The banks are closed, the post office is closed and most of us get a day off from work. No Monday blues this week.

6. The weather.

Can anyone name a consistently more beautiful holiday? Didn't think so.

7. Fireworks.

Fireworks are loud, bright and beautiful, just like most Americans.

8. Parades.

Confetti, floats, marching bands, candy, children — what's not to love?

9. Cookouts.

Whether you're a hot dogs and hamburgers kind of family. or barbeque, or steaks, or hobo dinner, etc., nothing beats some corn on the cob on a hot summer holiday.

10. Family.

They may drive you crazy, but you love them anyway, and there's no better time to see your relatives than a holiday.

11. It has some good jams.

"Yankee Doodle," "America the Beautiful," "This Land is Your Land" — the only holiday with a better playlist is Christmas. But refer to No. 3 as to why these songs are even better than those.

12. Traveling.

Near or far. To see family or to take a vacation. Maybe up to a family cottage on a lake. The Fourth of July weekend is the biggest travel weekend of the year in the United States

13. Freedom.

I don't need anyone to tell me that we're not the only country in the world who has freedom, but man am I grateful that I live in this one, the land of the free, because of the brave.