Welcome to "The Holiday Zone"

I created this blog because I love holidays. I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who doesn't. Holidays make us feel good. They give us something to look forward to. They give us an excuse to shop. They give us a reason to give and receive gifts. They give us a reason to take off work. They give us reasons to get together with family and friends. They give us reasons to worship and pray. They give us a great reason to eat so much that our stomaches ache afterward, and we vow to never eat that much again (but you know we will). And they give us much reason to celebrate in so many ways the people and the values that our great country was founded on, and that they fought for, and that they still continue to. We are able to salute, remember and honor those that enable us to be able to enjoy all our wonderful holidays, then and now.

I want to share my thoughts, a mixture of fun, a little history, some trivia, and whatever else comes to mind as the blog continues. I invite you to share your comments and your favorite stories about the particular current holiday, your favorite family recipes, or maybe a photo or a holiday idea so that others can enjoy them also.

4th of July - Independence Day

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a celebration of the United States' Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress as an official way to declare the United States’ independence from Great Britain. Every year in the United States, we still celebrate that independence with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks and picnics. Since the fourth of July is a federal holiday a lot of people are off work that day and celebrations start in the early morning and go until late at night when the fireworks begin.

Generally regarded as America’s birthday, July 4, has been a federally recognized holiday since 1870 and federal workers started receiving holiday pay in 1941 for Independence Day.

Independence Day is celebrated in every city and town in the United States in much the same way. Whether at home with the family or on the west lawn of the Capitol building among thousands of other Americans, we celebrate our independence from Britain and we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today because of all the brave souls who came before us who risked their lives and the many who paid with their lives in order that we may enjoy enduring freedom. Children and their parents alike look forward to the excitement that accompanies the fourth of July and its festivities.

Although the Fourth of July is one of the most entertaining holidays we celebrate, it is also the most sober with the music and the fireworks reminding us why we are celebrating.

The colors of the day are red, white and blue from T-shirts to shorts and sandals, hats and umbrellas. Although most Americans respect the guidelines set forth in regards to the flag not being worn as an item of clothing, Americans do like to dress in the patriotic colors on America’s birthday. Further, a favorite pastime is to watch the red, white, and blue fireworks bursting in the late night sky on the Fourth of July.

Related Links:

Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents

Declaration of Independence

Liberty Bell

US Flag Photo History

4th of July printable and online crafts, games, e-cards, puzzles

Star-Spangled Fun and Games

4th of July Food, Recipes

EASY FLAG CAKE

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Online