4th of July disappointment- has yours changed, too?

[Anonymous]

I wonder of some of this is the lens of viewing the day as an adult. As a kid I loved going to the town fireworks on a lake, everyone picnicked on the grass beforehand, the ice cream truck came, etc. There was also a parade during the daytime and my
sibs and I would march as part of girl/boy scouts.

Here my neighborhood in Bethesda has a little parade which at first seemed super dinky to me, but once my kids were old enough to ride bikes in it, it felt more charming We often do a cookout with neighbors in the evening. But, there is no question the holiday feels a lot quieter than I remember my own July 4ths as a kid. I have often thought, though, that is likely because I am an adult now and viewing the “celebrations” differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our Arlington neighborhood had a huge party every year with a massive fireworks show, neighbors cooking out, potluck, kids playing everywhere. Such a treat and great for the community of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, one or two Debbie Downers had to ruin it this year… fireworks are too scary, apparently.

This is how we celebrated as kid. Big adult parties, kids running around, fireworks.

We have no parties and attend no parties. Most of my friends go out of town, go to the beach…we go to go fireworks events

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the midwest, we still have our parade but there are no firework shows anymore because they've gotten too expensive. People shoot them off in the street and it's chaotic. Most people spend the weekend with family so we never get any party invites. I agree it's disappointing but I feel this way about all holidays since we don't have a big family like others seem to.

Thanks! I actually think that’s what’s getting to me but I hadn’t really sorted through that feeling until I read your comment. I don’t have a big family so it’s fun to have a holiday that doesn’t revolve around extended family and relatives. But it seems like it has turned into a family holiday (probably because of people’s career demands, geographically dispersed families, and limited time off) and it stinks. I don’t need year-round reminders that I have a small family. We surround ourselves with close friends, but they have their own extended families that are an understandable priority over us. I guess should question new acquaintances and ask how many siblings they have and how many of their relatives are still living!
-OP

I 100% feel you! I have good friends but they all have siblings with kids and cousin time is a big thing. All our siblings are far away. I want to drink with adults while kids run wild!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re not celebrating the US, we’re celebrating our friendships and enjoying the fireworks.

Lots of other countries you can move to. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our Arlington neighborhood had a huge party every year with a massive fireworks show, neighbors cooking out, potluck, kids playing everywhere. Such a treat and great for the community of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, one or two Debbie Downers had to ruin it this year… fireworks are too scary, apparently.

This is how we celebrated as kid. Big adult parties, kids running around, fireworks.

We have no parties and attend no parties. Most of my friends go out of town, go to the beach…we go to go fireworks events

+1 same

Neighbors banded together to celebrate and we enjoyed our family shows potlucks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our Arlington neighborhood had a huge party every year with a massive fireworks show, neighbors cooking out, potluck, kids playing everywhere. Such a treat and great for the community of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, one or two Debbie Downers had to ruin it this year… fireworks are too scary, apparently.

This is how we celebrated as kid. Big adult parties, kids running around, fireworks.

We have no parties and attend no parties. Most of my friends go out of town, go to the beach…we go to go fireworks events

+1 same

Neighbors banded together to celebrate and we enjoyed our family shows potlucks

You’re reminding me of the kindest dad I knew. He didn’t play games socially and was friends with every dad in the subdivision and at the elementary school and swim club. No one disliked him and he was honest, self-deprecating and fun. He coached soccer when girl’s soccer wasn’t seen as very important in our town, led scouts, and he was always in the parent-child swim relays. His potlucks were the one time of the year when there weren’t any cliques and even the snobbiest or most ostracized people were all invited- and showed up! He died relatively young and I wish he was still alive so I could thank him.

We need more people like him who aren’t afraid to bring people together.