By Kimberly Richardson 

Fourth of July celebrations around the US often revolve around family gatherings, parades, barbecues and, of course, lots of fireworks — but for me, things have always looked a bit different! Growing up in a British household meant the holiday was, admittedly, just another day. Sure, we would light the occasional sparkler or two, but it was never a big to-do like it was for so many families across the country ... including yours! I know this to be true because, a few weeks ago, we asked our lovely readers (that’s you!) to share their favorite ways to celebrate America’s independence. We received so many incredible responses and have included some of them below, but fair warning: you may experience a serious case of FOMO like I did! I hope they, too, bring you joy and perhaps even ignite new traditions for years to come. 

Here are some good things that happened this week.  

romrodinka/iStockphoto/Getty Images

• Why are Dutch kids the world’s happiest? A teenager weighs in
  
• Human rights activist Malala Yousafzai is taking her fight for equality to women’s sports with a new initiative
  
• Against the odds, Gen Z is breaking into the housing market
  
• This pinecone-sized device could transform the fight against wildfires
  
• Months after Hurricane Helene, this mountain town is on the rebound

We asked, you delivered! See what other readers are up to this holiday weekend.

Every Fourth of July, we dive into our favorite patriotic tradition: watching “Independence Day.” It’s not truly America’s birthday until Will Smith punches an alien and says, “Welcome to Earth!” We gather ‘round the screen like it’s a campfire, cheering on Jeff Goldblum’s chaotic genius and celebrating freedom the only way we know how … by rewatching a 90s sci-fi classic. In today’s divided times it’s a great reminder of what it’s like to be inspired by leaders and spurred on to set aside differences for the greater good. We need a little more of that and who better to remind us than Bill Pullman!

—Kyndra S.

My favorite part of the holiday is the gatherings. As long as there is good food, good laughter, and hugs, I could take or leave all the other trimmings.

—Suann M.

My son and I are hosting 14 neighbors for a backyard celebration. We are serving street food from other countries to acknowledge the significance immigrants play in American culture.

—Jack C.

I plan to stay inside with my four fur babies (cats) and keep the AC running and cooling us off.  We will be watching TV and staying safe.
—Erica H. 

@PatrickTheGiver

Since 2020, I’ve been surprising and supporting educators and frontline workers with small, meaningful acts of kindness — from free coffee to classroom supplies. This Fourth of July, I’ll be honoring local teachers with a surprise free breakfast as a way to say thank you for their dedication and service to our communities.

—Patrick R.

 
“LAWN OLYMPICS!!!” The extended family (parents, kids, kids of kids, hangers on ...) meet at noon to couple up and start with the admonition “Let the games begin!!!” The games include corn hole, coin toss, ladders, bocce ball, horseshoes, hammerschlagen and, of course, beer pong!!! The winning duet takes home a traveling trophy and bragging rights for the next 364 days!!!
—Warren W.

I live in a 55+ community in southern California. We have our own parade on July 4th with patriotic music playing and flags flying. Red, White and Blue is everywhere: including the clothes we wear, on walkers and electric scooters. We parade inside our community waving to neighbors then end up at our clubhouse for coffee and dessert. It’s not big or fancy but it’s fun.
—Erin R.

This week on CNN’s 5 Good Things podcast, thousands of people are putting their hopes for the future on colorful wish walls across the US. A pilot flies at-risk shelter animals to places where they have a better chance of getting adopted. Plus, in St. Louis, this all-Black swim team and their parents are diving into more than the deep end.

Travelers at Japan’s Yamagata Airport were forced to grin and bear it after some of their flights were canceled. The unlikely culprit? A furry friend roaming the runway. Click here to watch! 

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Today’s 5 Good Things was edited by CNN’s Andrew Torgan. 

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