7 Fun Family Traditions for a Texas-Style 4th of July

7 Fun Texas Traditions for a Meaningful and Memorable Fourth of July

Independence Day is more than just fireworks and food, especially here in Texas. It’s about honoring the freedoms we’ve fought hard for and passed down through generations. For my wife Donna and me, with eight energetic kids running around, we had to get creative with how we celebrated. Turns out, the simplest traditions often become the most cherished.

Whether you're starting new traditions or reviving old ones, here are seven fun and meaningful ways to celebrate July 4th, Texas style, straight from the Fernandez family playbook.

1. Fly the Flag with Purpose

We proudly fly the American flag and the military branch flags our family members have served. Before raising them, we always inspect to make sure they’re not too tattered or faded. If they are, we retire them respectfully, something we taught all our kids to do. Local organizations like the Boy Scouts, American Legion, or Lions Club can help with proper flag retirement.

This small act of respect sets the tone for the whole day.

2. Start the Day with Patriotic Music

Nothing kicks off the Fourth quite like a playlist of American pride. My go-to? Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and anything by the Boston Pops. I crank it up as soon as I wake up, and trust me, once the kids hear it, they know the celebration has begun. It’s uplifting, energizing, and downright inspiring.

3. Bake an American Flag Cake

My daughter Branddy started this delicious tradition years ago. She bakes a 9x13-inch cake, covers it in whipped cream, and then arranges strawberries and blueberries to create an edible American flag. It’s simple, sweet, and gets everyone smiling. Kids love it, and so do the adults.

4. Fire Up the Backyard BBQ

When it comes to the grill, that’s my territory. From hot dogs and ribs for the boys to chicken and grilled corn for the girls, I love making sure there’s something for everyone. I always throw in some jalapeño poppers and smoked potatoes, too. It's more than just food—it’s the moment we all slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

5. Churn Up Some Homemade Ice Cream

After the cake comes the ice cream, and we don’t scoop it from a store. We make it ourselves using a classic ice cream freezer. This is our super-easy homemade berry ice cream recipe:

Fernandez Family Ice Cream Recipe:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh chopped strawberries or berries of choice
• Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, pour into your ice cream maker, and follow the manufacturer's directions. Within minutes, you’ll have a creamy, fruity treat perfect for your waffle cones, or just a bowl and spoon.

6. Add a Spark of Homemade Fun

Big fireworks shows can be expensive or too crowded for large families. We’ve often celebrated right at home with safe sparklers, glow sticks, and backyard games like cornhole or pillowcase races AKA sack races for the kids. Some years, we even made homemade patriotic lanterns with mason jars, red-white-and-blue tissue paper, and tea lights.

7. Take Time to Reflect and Give Thanks

Before the night ends, we gather in the yard, bow our heads, and thank God for our country, our freedom, and our military family. I’ve always made it a point to teach my kids and grandkids what July 4th truly stands for, especially as we remember loved ones we’ve lost in the line of duty.

Final Thought: Keep the Spirit Alive

Independence Day doesn’t have to be big or expensive; it just needs heart. Whether it’s grilling in the backyard or making ice cream with the kids, these small moments are what make the holiday meaningful. From my family to yours: Happy Fourth of July, y’all. God bless Texas and the USA.