There are many traditions and staples in how Americans celebrate Independence Day each year, many are shared across the country, and others are kept within the family. No matter, there is always something that families will do every year, no matter what to celebrate this national holiday.

1. Wearing Red, White, and Blue for Family Photos

Each year my siblings and I are forced to take some family photo with the completely original idea of being decked out in red, white, and blue. Oftentimes we have to be herded around and treated like the children we act like to get even a decent shot of all of us decked out in our patriotic garbs. This year will be no different, and we will probably pose the same way on the steps of the front porch, like we do every year.

2. The Food

The celebration of the Fourth of July seems off without the inclusion of watermelon and hotdogs, among the other foods that are always present. Sometimes healthy competitions of who can eat the most hotdogs, or spit the watermelon seed the farthest ensues, but else is to be expected? Also seen at the table for the annual celebration are hamburgers, corn, and cake decorated in white icing and adorned in blueberries and sliced strawberries. The food almost always makes the celebration.

3. Decorations

Again another thing that is never forgotten around the house are the decorations found outside. From the paper plates to the many American flags outside to the wreaths that hang on the front door, the house is usually decked out in red, white, and blue, only rivaling the poor children posing on the front porch outside.

4. Fireworks

Independence Day would not be considered normal without the fireworks show that occurs in the neighborhood. With huge bangs of colors happening not only inside the neighborhood, but at the fairgrounds that are located extremely close to see the show, there is not a lack of entertainment for a beautiful show to happen. Aside from the big shows, sparklers and throwing poppers while waiting for the extravaganza to start are always present, and the best part, the leftover fireworks are shot off the next day, making it seem like the celebration never ends, making these traditions the loudest, brightest, and possibly the longest.

The celebration of the Fourth of July brings out many traditions, like wearing special clothes, or getting together with distant relatives, but in the end all of these traditions, whether celebrated all across the country or just in your household, help make this holiday one to remember for everyone.