May the Fourth Be with You

Got Star Wars fans at your house? Then you’re going to want to plans some special activities for May the Fourth.

The first Star Wars movie was released on my fifth birthday. My dad took me and my grandparents to Grauman’s Chinese Theater to see it. I remember wanting to be Princess Leia and closing my eyes when the truth-serum bot came to get her to reveal the location of the rebel base.

I didn’t see any of the other films until high school or college, but once my boys discovered light sabers — and more importantly, the Force — Jedi training and the Star Wars sixology became every day fare. I have seen Mace Windoo written in the dust on my windows and jedi drawings etched in sidewalk chalk on my driveway.

I have even seen my children young padawan open grocery store doors using the Force.

And yes, I well remember the Great Lightsaber Shortage of 2006. I just might have shrieked loudly in the aisle of Target when I found the last toy saber in all of Kansas City.

Star Wars has been the theme of many a FishBoy birthday cake and video game user names alike.

Last year we watched through the movies again — working through them in production order, of course — once we realized that the girls were old enough to know that they don’t really know the story. Imagine our delight when FishChick6 argued that Luke and Leia have to end up together. Ha!

My nieces are also really into the Star Wars universe, so it’s becoming a full-blown cousin affair. We took my parents to see the newest release on Christmas Eve.

In recent years, May 4th has become affectionately known as “Star Wars Day” by fans around the world. You know, May the Fourth be with you….?

If you’ve got Star Wars fans at home, plan some fun for May the Fourth. From food, to costumes, to lightsaber battles, there’s plenty of things you can do with your kids. And be sure to rent a Star Wars movie just for kicks.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser on Disney Video

Watch One of the SEVEN Star Wars films.

Personally, I think the original was the best. I only wish that George Lucas hadn’t jacked with the vintage special effects. Artists. Sheesh.

Make Star Wars Treats.

• Death Star Cake
• Revenge of the Sith Cake
• Ultimate Star Wars Party Recipes from Just Jenn Recipes
• Yoda Soda and Vader Ade from Purple Patch Parties
• Light Saber Pretzels from Two Sisters Crafting

Dress up in Homemade Star Wars Costumes.

• Jedi Costume: Pair some store-bought khaki pants and boots with a homemade Jedi tunic. For the tunic, you just need an old sheet, a sewing machine, and these instructions. (Technically this tutorial is for a Harry Potter robe, but just make it shorter.) Finish it off with a belt and a Padawan braid.
• Princess Leia: Pair a white turtleneck with a long white skirt. You can use this tutorial to make a simple, long white skirt. Make a belt from a length of wide silver ribbon. Of course, add some Princess Leia buns to top it off.

Make Homemade Lightsabers.

• Construction Paper Lightsabers
• Pool Noodle Lightsaber from Disney Family

Do Some Star Wars Activities.

• Star Wars Coloring Pages from Super Coloring
• Star Wars Bingo from Disney Family
• Yoda Face Maze from Disney Family

How will you celebrate May the Fourth?

Please share your Star Wars themed memories!