The 4th is first!

My favorite holidays are Thanksgiving, my birthday and the 4th of July.

I love my birthday because normally it is amazing that I am alive and I'm happy for it. Often I'll have a group of friends over and we will do something fun. Lately I've also been getting quite extravagant gifts as well.

Thanksgiving rocks because I love the food traditionally served then. Especially a home made pumpkin pie, rather than a store one. I love gravy and mashed potatoes and baked yams and white turkey meat, green beans. Just the whole thing. People are in a good mood, normally you are with family. There is a brisk seasonal chillness if you live in that kind of climate. Basically it is all the good stuff about xmas but without all the pressure of presents and junk.

FYI I don't like xmas. And Valentine's Days has always been cruddy for me too. I digress.

But really I think through the years Independence Day has been the best holiday of the year for me. Why you say? Again, normally you are with family or friends. It is a holiday that can be celebrated with a group of people. The weather is awesome. If you don't live in some crappy liberal nanny state you get fireworks. Good fireworks that go in the air, make noise, explode. Not pops you through on the ground. LAME.

Normally it is also an all day celebration. You've got the day off from work so you're getting paid to party. Swimming in the pool, being outside, barbequing and such. Food, family, fun, fireworks and it can last all day and into the night.

Top that off with a love of country and the feelings that involves. I've been to over 15 different countries. I've been in a war. I know the differences in the world. I really do love America. This can be felt irregardless of your religion, age, gender or race. It is an inclusive holiday. No stupid politically correct "happy holidays" or junk like that. Happy freaking 4th of July and God bless America!! Say it with pride. Cry during the national anthem. It's ok and the right thing to do.

Yes, sometimes I've had lame 4th celebrations. It just happens. But overall, it is the best. And I hope all of you have great ones too!!