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Although the ongoing pandemic can make the holidays seem very different this year, it doesn't mean you have to cancel your celebrations. From planning a dinner party to taking a mini-road trip, there are countless ways to safely celebrate Independence day this year. We’ve put together some inexpensive and fun ideas to help you and your family keep the festive spirit. You can still have a fantastic holiday filled with family and fun!

Art by BelovedGiftShop

1.    Plan A Dinner Party In Your Backyard

If you’re lucky enough to have a large backyard, why not plan a dinner party? You and your family can fire up the grill and come together to make homemade recipes. From smokehouse ribs to burgers, there are dozens of delicious foods you can make on the grill. Or, if you want to take the day off from cooking, you can even order in. Here is a list of food chains that are still open during the holiday!

To finish it off, why not make s’mores in the campfire? S’mores are always a popular hit among kids, and it is both cheap and easy to ensemble. To take your dinner party to the next level, buying sparklers to use in the backyard can be a great way to enjoy the excitement of fireworks from home.

If you’re quarantined alone – even better! Munch on your favorite foods with all the desserts in the world (and don’t forget to grab a bottle of your favorite champagne!). Decorate your house, do your makeup and take this opportunity to take the perfect Instagram-worthy photos! The self-timer is my personal best friend.

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2.    Go on a Mini Road Trip

Although it may be difficult to go on a vacation during the pandemic, why not explore your hometown? Going on a road trip at this time is ideal because gas prices have never been lower. Spending the day at the park, the beach, or your city’s closest grand attraction is a great way for your family to bond. Just make sure the location is in a secluded area, and don’t forget to bring masks. You can bring a well-stocked picnic basket, and enjoy the fresh air while having fun with your family.

After deciding the location of your trip, don’t forget to plan your rest stops ahead of time. Bringing a full cooler, prepared food, and a travel kit will save you a lot of money on the road. Most importantly, be sure to take extra safety precautions like stocking up your car with hand sanitizers or bringing extra face masks. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Furthermore, travelling alone is a great way to escape the familiar. The route is up to you and you can stop whenever (and wherever) you please. Not only is this the perfect time to unplug, you can listen to your favorite podcasts as long as you like (or scream your favorite songs as loud as you want). Create your ultimate road-trip playlist, grab your camera and pack your favorite foods. If you feel unsafe on the road alone, this guide will give you travelling tips that can help protect you.

Additionally, if you're looking to travel to somewhere with firework shows, there are still many places across the nation that have decided to continue the tradition. Check your local city agenda for more information, or visit this link for some popular firework shows. 

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3.    Have A Cozy Movie Night With the Family

If you decide to stay in for Independence Day, why not have a movie night with your family? You can make your own binge-worthy movie night snacks with these free easy recipes, and stuff your living room with blankets and pillows. If you get bored mid-movie, you can switch to making fun crafts and decorations, or even play some games for the whole family.

Whether you’re watching with younger kids or older friends, there is something for everyone. For movie options, you can opt for a fun kids movie if you have young kids, or even go for a patriotic movie to match the holiday spirit. Additionally, if you’ve run out of entertaining things to watch, my favorite family tradition is watching the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. At 8 PM Eastern time, Macy's 4th of July fireworks will return for a two hour special with fireworks and festivities for those who can't make it out for the celebrations.

If you’re quarantined alone, turn on your favorite guilty pleasure and enjoy the show. I love having solo movie marathons because I can binge-watch anything I want with no interruptions. Put on your favorite pajamas, turn off possible interference’s and grab your favorite movie snacks (my favorites include pretzels and ice cream). The best part? You don’t have to share!

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4.    Host a Virtual Dinner Party 

Traditions don’t have to die during the pandemic. If you and your family are used to enjoying dinner together on the Fourth of July, it certainly does not have to stop now. Thanks to technological advances, you can still enjoy dinner with the entire family virtually. Zoom, Skype, and Facetime are one of the easiest video communication software, so be sure to give your family members a heads up so they can download it beforehand. Make a thoughtful guest list, plan some activities, and share with them what foods you're currently eating. Sharing stories and seeing everyone's smiling faces will fill you up with joy.

To end off the day, you can schedule a virtual Netflix party! You and your family can watch the same movies at the same time, thanks to this useful Netflix Party extension. With a chat room and videos that pause the exact same time, you can easily share your thoughts on the movie.

If you’re not a social butterfly, there are hundreds of free virtual entertainment that you could enjoy on your own. From virtual museums to virtual concerts, you can find almost anything you desire. This link will take you to a useful list of live events that include Broadway, dance parties, or cooking classes. The possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is attending live dance parties where celebrity hosts come out to DJ. It’s a great workout and an even greater time.

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Whether you decide to host a movie night or a dinner party, we hope this list will give you an idea of how to spend the Fourth of July. After all, the coronavirus will not get in the way of our festivities. Wishing you a fun (and safe) Fourth of July!