Every July 4th, we Americans celebrate the birth of our nation. Folks have cookouts, go to fireworks, play sports and more. But what happens when July 4th rolls around and you’re in the midst of a flare? I have two Independence Days I won’t forget. The first was way back in 2004 when my IC symptoms were at one of their worst points. I literally wasn’t able to leave the house. I had told my husband he might as well go see a movie with his brother. At fireworks time, I made my way to our back patio, hoping to get a glimpse of fireworks that were a couple of miles away. (I didn’t see much of anything.) Then I went back in to my couch and heating pad.
Another rough July 4 was 2017. We decided our kiddos were old enough to go see the big fireworks if they had a good afternoon nap. I woke up on July 4th with a raging UTI that took me down. Fortunately, we hadn’t mentioned our plans to the kids, so they weren’t disappointed. My husband hit up the fireworks store, and we did a few small fireworks at home instead. It wasn’t at all what I had planned or hoped for. But sometimes life goes that way, even on a holiday.
If you are flaring and need to celebrate July 4th at home, we’ve got some ideas to make the day just a bit easier for you. Even between my two sideways July 4ths, I learned to do less moping and more making the best of a difficult situation. A little creativity, flexibility and attitude change can go a long way to shift from mopey to content.
Figure out fireworks.
Fireworks are probably the biggest part of July 4th. Going to fireworks has been challenging for me in knowing I’d have to sit outside in a not-so-comfortable chair, have a bathroom far away, be without my heating pad and walk a ways from and then to the car. Some years, that’s definitely doable, but other years, it just isn’t. If you’re celebrating July4th at home, you have a few options. First, don’t forget about the fireworks that air on television. I discovered Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular back when my kiddos were too young to go see fireworks in person. I’ve liked the show so much that if we do go to fireworks in person, I still record it on my DVR to watch later. We made it our main feature during 2020 as well when we chose to stay isolated. It’s definitely worth checking out!
If you are really itching for something live, then consider watching fireworks in front of your house if you have help. (You don’t want to be on your feet and bending over multiple times if you are flaring.) The fireworks won’t be as dramatic as the big displays, but they’ll still be glittery and allow you to celebrate. If you don’t have help, go for some things like sparklers and bang snaps.
Another option for seeing fireworks is to find somewhere to watch them from your car. If you’re flaring too much to go through the ordeal of going to the big fireworks show in your town but you feel well enough for a car ride, consider finding a spot to park and watch the fireworks. You may not be able to see some of the lower ones, but you’ll still get a good show while sitting in a comfortable seat and not having to do a lot of walking and carrying things.
Set the mood with music.
An easy way to celebrate July 4th at home is with music. Turn to the Internet or a streaming music provider and listen to some patriotic tunes as you relax in your comfy spot. Check out this list of 40 patriotic songs to get started.
Enjoy some traditional food.
The good news is much of the traditional, cookout type 4th of July fare is IC friendly! You can enjoy a grilled hamburger or grilled chicken (just watch out for seasonings and condiments) without worrying. If you can handle hot dogs well (uncured, preservative free chicken, turkey, beef or pork hot dogs are usually IC friendly), then have one. Plain potato chips and corn chips are both IC friendly as is corn. Fresh watermelon, the quintessential July 4th fruit, is in the Foods Worth Trying category on the ICN Food List. Top it all off with some yummy vanilla ice cream as a treat that won’t make your bladder feel worse!
Get crafty.
Put your crafting skills to use by creating a patriotic craft as you celebrate July 4th at home. You can find all sorts of ideas online for crafts for kids through adults that can be fun for Independence Day. If you are craft-challenged (like I am!), then look online for some patriotic coloring pages and printable activities. All of these things can be done while sitting down in a comfy seat.
Watch patriotic movies.
Get as comfy as you can and watch some patriotic movies to enjoy your July 4th at home. This list of the 25 most patriotic films of all time will get you started!
Play games.
This may not be incredibly patriotic, but playing games is a great way to have fun with friends and family. And if you are flaring, playing board, other tabletop or video games can help you get your mind off your pain while making good memories to boot!
Bring the party to you.
Invite a couple of friends or family members to hang out with you at home on July 4th. Tell them you aren’t feeling great, but you’d love to have some company for at least part of the day. Then do what you’re up to doing. Have snacks, play games, watch a movie or whatever works for you.
Give yourself permission to ignore the day.
Sometimes when you aren’t feeling well, the best thing you can do is just settle in and let the rest of the world fade away. Do your own thing and take off the pressure of having to do something special for July 4th. You won’t always feel this way. Flares don’t last forever. Feel your feelings; be disappointed. Then move on with your day. Take naps, watch your favorite shows, eat some IC friendly snacks, read books or do whatever you need to do to take care of you.
