By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The 4th of July birthday of America celebration will soon be here. This year it’s on a Sunday. Many working Americans may have a day off extending the weekend, but how can those people relax and plan a special event at the same time?

You’re right! It’s next to impossible. To help you have a grand time with family, friends, or simply an intimate get-together with a few neighbors, I explored a lot of online sites and this cheat sheet seems the easiest and most fun!

Cheat Sheet for Your 4th of July Celebration

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Sleep in, then enjoy a pancake breakfast. Top those sweet delights with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream for the true red, white, and blue theme. Serve on 4th of July paper plates with napkins to match.
Many areas host a parade, some within walking distance. Dress in your favorite patriotic outfit. Don’t forget to wave a flag.
Take a walk in a shaded area with family and friends. Discuss what it would have been like to live during the Revolutionary War. Would you want to have been a part of the war effort? Why or why not?
Invite friends to a potluck cookout. All you need do is assign food choices. Make sure food choices match the festive occasion. Choose a playlist of patriotic songs to play during the event. Add red, white, and blue balloons or stuff clear ones with patriotic stars and you’re celebrating in style.
Attend a fireworks show. Young and old love the colorful display. Don’t forget portable chairs!
Crafts to show your patriotic spirit are another way of enjoying each other and having fun. Pinterest is my favorite go-to website for creative ideas: Crafts for all ages: https://bit.ly/3oqeIRy
Crafts for kids: https://bit.ly/3hsuqdI
Crafts that are easy: https://bit.ly/3btjGYL
Anything water-related works—beach, swimming, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, raft floating down a lazy river, a backyard water park with sprinklers, and anything else you can think of that’s wet.
Plan a red, white, and blue picnic. While preparing the food might be a chore, opt for carryout and totally appreciate the day.
Some people may be nervous about spending time in crowds. Here is a website that offers amazing ideas on how to celebrate the holiday virtually. https://bit.ly/3on87aN
Or simply do nothing and watch patriotic shows, parades, read, or take a nap. If you choose a nap, make sure it’s with a patriotic blanket.
This is my favorite YouTube presentation of the history of The Star
Spangled Banner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxGNQE5ZLA