Inauguration Day

What better excuse do you need to have a pageant?

ADDED January 21, 2009

kids inauguration

Today is a very special day for America, and what do you do on very special days? Why, celebrate, of course!

Today will feature many parades and speeches.

First of all, if your kids are old enough, you should certainly tell them about why today is special for America. (No matter your political persuasion.) First, we're getting a new President today. America's smooth transition of power is something to be proud of. Also, today we're getting our first President "of color," as the phrase goes. That is pretty cool, and pretty historic.

Okay, now on to the activities part of this post.

When was the last time you had a pageant in your house? In order to participate in a pageant, of course, you need everyone in special clothes. Everyone will walk in a special way (marching is good, so is parading) along the predetermined route. And some impressive, pomp-and-circumstance music wouldn't hurt either. It really would be great if everyone (adults included) joined the procession. And you guys might want to change the musical and wardrobe selections occasionally, to see how those affect the marching.

If your kids are a bit older, you might want them to try a speech or two. Have them get up on a 'rostrum' (somewhere elevated -- a chair would work nicely) and have everybody else be the audience. They can talk about anything they'd like, such as food, family, toys, fun. (We don't recommend any political topics for kids, but you can decide.) If they're able, they should speak in important-sounding, "speechifying" tones. Take turns, and of course, at then end of the speech, everyone needs to clap!

Have fun this Inauguration Day, and if you don't mind, God Bless America!

(Boy saluting photo courtesy of respres.)