Last night, as we sat outside at my sister’s house, gnawing watermelon and waiting for a neighbor’s fireworks display to commence, my five-year-old niece asked me, “Do they have the Fourth of July in other countries?”

Ummmm… I just love trick questions from five-year-olds. I knew from the outset the conversation would end badly.

Yes, they do, I explained. July 4th is tomorrow’s date.

In America, I explained further, Independence Day is on July 4th, and it’s our national holiday, which is why we celebrate with fireworks, picnics, and parties.

Other countries have national holidays, too, I went on pedantically, but they aren’t necessarily on July 4th. But they still have the fourth of July, because it’s the date – just like today is July 3rd, tomorrow is July 4th. It’s just not necessarily a day they have fireworks and picnics.

So…… she said, swatting a mosquito and totally missing the point of my lesson, they don’t have the Fourth of July?

I grabbed a sparkler, lit it, handed it to her, and sent her off to frolic.

Wherever you are, happy fourth of July! If you happen to be an American, Happy Independence Day!

If you’re sweltering in the summer heat this weekend (or shivering with the cold, depending on your locale), take some time to enjoy this month’s needlework news snips!