4th of July - How To Celebrate And What To Do With The Kiddos
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What is the 4th of July all about?
So, let me tell you all about the 4th of July, my friend. It's a big deal for Americans, you see. It's a day that's all about freedom and independence. They celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence back in 1776, when we officially told the British, "Hey, we're done with you ruling us!" It's a time for BBQs, picnics, and fireworks. Families and friends gather together, decked out in red, white, and blue, to show their patriotic spirit. It's a time to reflect on our history and the values that make this country tick. It's all about honoring our past and looking towards the future. It's like a big old party for freedom-loving folks, and it's a blast!
Celebrate with them
Now we are no Americans but for sure we will celebrate with them. 4th of July is in America what is New Year’s eve in Germany. A big party with fireworks! 4th of July get’s the biggest Firework from all the Holidays, so please don’t miss out on them. Do some research (online & ask your HF) where to see the best firework.
What you need (in my opinion) for the best firework experience are 3d diffraction glasses. I prefer heart or star shape. They make you see hearts or stars in every light and watching a firework with them on will spark hearts or stars all over. It’s sooo pretty. (I linked mine for you, but in the store you can get paper ones for 99ct)
Working on 4th of July
Yes, it’s a Holiday and most Americans are off work but does that mean that we as Au Pairs get off? No, especially because most Kids will be home (schools and summer camps are probably closed that day) your Host parents will most likely need your help. Either to take care of the kids or even maybe help with the celebrations. So it’s good to have the conversation early on how this day will look like for you work wise. Then you can plan how and where you will get to celebrate it.
Here are some ideas on how to ask for it, without sounding rude:
“Hey, I was wondering how you celebrate 4th of July and how you think I can be most helpful.”
“I would like to talk about 4th of July and what the day will look like for all of us.”
“I know 4th of July is a big day to celebrate. Can you tell me more about it? And if it’s a good time I would also like to know if you can give me an idea of how my working hours will look like that day”
Activities with the kiddos
This is such a fun Holiday and there are some cute activities you can do with your Host kids to bring them into the right mood.
Firework Art: Take an empty toilet paper roll and cut a lot of times straight into it, about 3 inches. If you now bend the strips outside the kids can use it as a stamp. Dunking it in Blue, red and white color pushing it onto Paper and spin. It creates a print like a firework on the paper.
Bake Cupcakes: It comes all down to your abilities. But there is ready bake mix for cupcakes and ready frosting in the store and you just whip together what’s needed. Get red, blue and white sprinkles for on top and your 4th of July treat is ready.
Make bracelets: Either with beads or just with breading some thread. Get creative and make some jewelry. Just use the colors red, blue and white!
Oil and Water experiment: Find a big clear jar/glass. Add about 3/4 or water and 1/4 of vegetable oil. Wait until clearly separated. Now you can add 2-3 drops of food color in the oil and stir gently with a fork. Since the Food coloring is heavier than oil it will sink to thru it into the water where it creates a beautiful image while dissolving. Make sure to use (you know what I’m gonna say) blue and red food coloring. It’s mesmerizing for the kiddos.
Now I hope you are ready to celebrate your first (or second) Independence Day and don’t forget to take pictures with the firework and upload it to your Insta story with the song from Katy Perry - Fireworks. (I knew you planned that already)
See you soon, Michelle
