The Fourth of July is a highly anticipated holiday for our boys — mainly because of the fireworks. They love going to the fireworks store, picking out their favorites, and checking out the new ones. They talk endlessly about what they’re going to light off first, and when the day finally arrives, they can’t wait to start.

This excitement wasn’t always the case. We had to work up to this point.

When the boys were younger, fireworks were really scary — especially for Titus. He struggled with the loud, unpredictable sounds and didn’t understand what was happening. Unfortunately, where we live, you can’t really get away from fireworks. It’s legal to shoot them off within city limits, so we’re surrounded on all sides.

It took time and patience. We started with headphones to muffle the noise, and we tried our best to describe what we were seeing. I used tactile objects to help Titus understand what fireworks looked like. On the big night, we’d sit outside together — him in headphones — and I’d tap or trace on his back to mimic the explosions and crackles. I’d describe the colors and the shapes they made in the sky. Through these efforts, and as he’s gotten older, he’s developed a real appreciation for the thrill of fireworks.

These days, going to the fireworks store to pick out his very own is a highlight. The stores often have great descriptions of what to expect, and there are lots of tactile things to explore. We usually opt for a few of the larger fireworks, but mostly we stock up on grounders, snappers, roman candles, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

When you really think about it, fireworks are surprisingly blind-inclusive. Titus may not be able to see the colors, but he can hear the whistle and bang, feel the booms, and smell the smoke. He loves helping light them — and gets such a thrill from hearing the fuse ignite with a sizzling sound, which tells him it’s time to step back. Then come the pops and bangs as they shoot off into the night sky. The sulfurous, smoky smell fills the air as the sky around us erupts.

The day isn’t all about fireworks. Hot dogs and chips, swimming, and yard games fill up the rest of our time. We soak in the sunshine, run around with family, and take turns at lawn games until we’re all sweaty and tired in the best way. Enjoying the weather and spending time together as a family are some of the real highlights of the holiday. It’s these simple moments — messy, loud, and full of laughter — that make the Fourth feel so special.

This celebration might look a little different for our family, but it’s no less joyful. In fact, I think we experience fireworks more fully — not just with our eyes, but with every other sense too. And that has made this tradition even more meaningful.