You had popsicles for lunch for the past three days in a row, and you’re starting to forget what it even feels like to wear socks. You bought your flag tank top. You found a recipe for watermelon drinks. You’re right smack dab in the middle of the year's other big holiday season: the 4th of July.

Here's why this day, the crown jewel of summer, is basically Christmas in a bikini:

You get to wear special festive clothes

For two weeks out of the year, “flag” is basically a neutral print.

There are pretty lights everywhere

In parks, after baseball games, in your one crazy neighbor’s backyard -- there’s something magical in the air, and it’s pyrotechnics being shamelessly ignited in the name of America.

You start celebrating way before the big day

It’s the 4th of July way before June is even over. Barbecuing and playing cornhole are way too fun to limit to just one day.

You have music that you only listen to this time of year

Bruce Springsteen and the country channel sound even better when you save them for the holiday season.

You have an excuse to eat and drink like crap

It would be unpatriotic to say no to your buddy’s hotwings, and you can never have too much barbecue sauce.

No matter how old you are, you feel like a kid when the big day comes

You still want ice cream. You still get excited when the sun sets and it’s time for fireworks. You still wake up with cuts and bruises. The hangover is new, though.

You have a hard time sleeping the night before

Visions of grilling on the beach and chips and dip just keep dancing through your head.