I am going to be honest and just come out and say it. Sometimes I find it difficult to feel patriotic. When most of the news is about horrible events occurring, it is easy to think only of the negatives. That being said, it is important to focus on the positive as well, and to be proud of where you are from. If people in the UK can throw American style parties (4th of July parties) on Independence Day, than I can follow these six simple steps to feel patriotic.
1. Wear red, white, and blue clothing
Ignore the fact that 36 other countries also have red, white, and blue colored flags and show your patriotism by proudly sporting the United States of America’s colors. You can jazz up your outfit by wearing flag pins.
2. Paint your nails red, white, and blue
For extra patriotism, paint a flag design on your nails. It doesn’t matter your gender. Nail polish does not conform to societal gender norms, and painting your nails is a fun way to show your patriotic spirit!
3. Eat red, white, and blue colored foods
If you have not caught on yet, doing basically anything that involves red, white, and blue is patriotic on the 4th of July. Stores make it easy this time of year by selling food that is specifically geared towards the holiday. Candy seems to have received an extra dose of patriotism this year. I’ve noticed red, white, and blue colored Skittles and M&M’s, as well as Snickers that are packaged in red, white, or blue wrappers. If you are feeling more creative and want to create patriotic food yourself, decorating waffles or cake with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream is something I have done in the past. I have also created a red, white, and blue drink the past few years by layering Sprite, cranberry juice and blue Powerade.
4. Spend time outside
What can be more patriotic than watching a sport that is known as America’s favorite pastime? If you are unable to go to the ball park, play baseball with your family and friends. If you are not into sports, have a pool party and/or barbeque. Whatever the activity, take advantage of the summer weather and soak up some sun. Just be sure to not become red with a sunburn. Leave being red to your clothes and food.
5. Listen to patriotic music
This may be the best way to feel patriotic. I am filled with patriotism whenever I listen to songs about the United States. 4th of July songs are like Christmas songs for the summer.
6. Watch fireworks
No 4th of July is complete without fireworks. It might even be illegal to not watch fireworks on the 4th of July. Spectacular shows are put on around the country every year. If you only do one thing on Independence Day, see fireworks, whether in person or on a TV screen. For maximum patriotic effect, watch a fireworks display while listening to patriotic music. Tears are brought to my eyes every time I hear “God Bless the USA” while watching fireworks.
