As we head into the holiday weekend, it is very important we understand that COVID-19 is not on holiday. That means our traditional July 4th plans must look a bit different this weekend, but they can still be just as enjoyable.
For your safety and that of everyone around you, use this three-day weekend as an opportunity to explore new traditions and activities – ones that will help ensure we’re here to enjoy gatherings in years to come.
With a quick Google search, we found lots of great ideas for spending the holiday safely at home. Here are our top 5:
1. Celebrate virtually. Houston’s Shell Freedom Over Texas celebration will be virtual this year, featuring fireworks and musical acts, like the Houston Symphony and country singer Pat Green. Tune in on July 4 at 7 p.m. on ABC13.com. And while there’s nothing quite like getting an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty, an interactive virtual tour by the National Park Service offers panoramic views of the statue’s exterior and interior. In additional, lots of national museums are offering history-packed videos and virtual tours online.
2. Hamilton anyone? A live recording of Hamilton, the acclaimed Broadway musical from the writer and its star Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the director Thomas Kail, arrives on Disney Plus on Friday. Take the fun up a notch by watching outdoors on the patio.
3. Get physical. Get your blood pumping with an early morning workout, alone, with your spouse or the whole family. Or enjoy an evening bicycle parade with a small group of friends – don’t forget to decorate your bike! Want to keep the fun outdoors? Stock up on lawn games like oversized checkers, tic-tac-toe, Connect 4 and cornhole. Stand-by favorites like sidewalk chalk and bubbles can also be a hit!
4. Bring the fun inside. No backyard? No problem. Bring the camp out indoors – pitch a tent and find a recipe for s’mores you can make in the oven. Or clear the furniture, and set up a picnic right in the family room – picnic basket, checkered linens and all! Spend the day making festive crafts, playing games and enjoying movies or karaoke.
5. Revitalize. While we often think of holidays as a time for celebration, they also can serve as a moment of relaxation. Take advantage of the long weekend by doing something that centers or refreshes you. Read a book, take a walk, attend a virtual church service, phone a friend or family member you’ve lost touch with, or just allow yourself to be still for a bit. Still have energy to burn? Consider tackling a cluttered room or closet, and enjoy the reward of your newly reorganized space.
These ideas are the tip of the iceberg. So explore online, get creative and most importantly stay safe.