Until this year, Little Buddy had never seen fireworks. When some friends invited us over to grill out and said they would be lighting up a few fireworks, we were curious what Little Buddy would think. The friends also have a little boy who is the same age, so we knew it would be safe. We thought this would be a better introduction to fireworks than taking Little Buddy to the loud and crazy show in Downtown Nashville. Apparently Downtown Nashville’s celebration is the largest in the country, but we have never been.
Little Buddy has a children’s book where a family of bears watches fireworks, so he was thrilled when we told him that he would be seeing some, too. All afternoon, he asked, “Going to see firework now? Going to see fireworks now?” We told him that fireworks only come out at night, so when the sun went down, he excitedly said, “It’s nighttime, where are the fireworks? They turning them on?”
Our friends had an impressive setup, complete with radio transmitters and a remote control, and had us sitting a few hundred yards away. They started with smaller fireworks that were close to the ground, and Little Buddy loved them. We oohed and ahhed right alongside our toddler son, and we expected that to be the extent of the show. Little did we know that our friends were just getting started and that they had several hundred mortars ready to go.
I filmed a time-lapse of a small portion of the show (which you can see on my Facebook page) to give you a sense for how incredible it was. Both Mr. Handsome and I thought the fireworks were amazing, but Little Buddy was scared. He curled himself up in Daddy’s lap, put Daddy’s big hands over his little ears, and shut his eyes tightly.
Sad that he wasn’t able to enjoy the show, I decided to take Little Buddy into our van and let him watch out the window. That turned out to be the perfect place for him. From inside our vehicle, we could hardly hear the noise, but we were still able to enjoy the fireworks. Little Buddy loved it. The experience must have left a good impression on his little mind, because the next day, he kept asking, “We going to see fireworks again?”
I’m curious what my American readers are doing for 4th of July? Those of you who have children, how old were they when they saw their first fireworks, and what was their reaction?
Anonymous
Since my kids could walk, they’ve been going to fireworks. I can’t remember if any of them were babies it’s been so long ago. Rain or shine, my daughters and I are leaving for the beach in the morning for 3 days.
Ellie
Have a great beach trip!
Eileen
What a smart solution Ellie. Little Buddy could just relax and enjoy the fireworks and feel safe.
Our children were about 3 when we started taking them to see firework displays for Canada Day,(July 1). It was by a lake. Everyone watched from one side of the lake while the fireworks were set up and discharged from the other side. The noise wasn’t too bad that way. We would have already spent the day at the lake with extended family and the kids were always quite tired and drowsy by the time of the fireworks. Ready to sit on Mom and Dad’s laps and snuggle. This has given me quite nice memories. Thank you!
Anonymous
“Largest” celebration in Nashville? How? In terms of people packed into a certain number of square feet? Can’t be in terms fireworks. Nashville didn’t put 5 barges full of fireworks in a river to stage a half-hour, non-stop fireworks show the way New York City does every year. Pre-pandemic, I’ve been to Washington DC and their huge outdoor concert on the Mall with people packed from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and beyond. Those are usually the country’s two largest celebrations (not counting Covid years). Philly and Boston also put on huge parties. I’ve been at the Boston one when Arthur Fiedler was conducting the Symphony.
Ellie
The news outlets have said that the entire celebration this year was supposed to be the largest in the country. For the past several years, the Nashville fireworks display has been ranked one of the best, right up there with Washington DC and NYC. Like I said, we have never been, but that’s what the news networks have said.
Anonymous
Ellie, I thought you and Mr. H would’ve seen the Nashville fireworks.
Ellie
As much fun as it would be to see the fireworks, we have heard from friends that it’s a complete zoo and that traffic gets locked up for hours afterwards So we have always stayed away, LOL.
Anne
My daughter was 8 months old for her first fireworks on New Years. She was so excited the whole time, kicking her legs and laughing. She was only happy though, if I was holding her. Glad Little Buddy enjoyed it!’
Anonymous
My state is not allowed to do firework. Witch is nice because I hate fireworks. If you get caught doing fireworks theirs a fine. Before people would shoot fireworks in to people’s house.
When I was little we never did firework.
Anonymous
My boys ( now 16 and 21) have never enjoyed fireworks. We took them to a small community show around age 3. They were not impressed. They enjoy sparklers😊.
My husband and I love them and are blessed we can see our town’s show from our backyard 😊🇺🇸.
AmyRyb
I used to like watching from the car, too! The big booms always bugged me when I was little. Eventually I got better, though I honestly still could do without the ones that are just booms without the colors! My kids can usually take them or leave them (I had one fall asleep during fireworks once!), and we didn’t see any this year after a long day at a family picnic. We could see a couple smaller ones in the neighbor’s yard and we heard a LOT in the surrounding area on the 4th. Those make me nervous–I’d much rather go to a real show and keep the houses and people safe!
Anonymous
Wasn’t Nashville where someone threw a big lit firecracker into someone’s convertible car on the 4th?
Ellie
Perhaps, but that sounds like something that could happen anywhere on the 4th when people are partying too hard and being unwise.
MacKenzie
Ellie,
This comment actually has nothing to do with fireworks. 🙂 I just wanted to tell you how much joy and positivity you have brought into my family’s life. You are a real treasure!! Thank you for everything that you do!
Ellie
Thank you for your kind words, MacKenzie! I’m grateful to have you as a reader.
Tiffany
My oldest was almost 11 months , middle child was 9 months and my youngest 8 months . I remember the first couple times they didn’t like it and cried . My 4 year old did great this year and last year .
Watching from the van was a great idea. The colors are so pretty , but the noise scares them . But it seems like he did ok with the smaller fireworks .