I always loved St. Patrick’s Day as a child. I would take my time picking out the green clothes I was going wear as my magic shield from pinches (right down to green underwear!). I would always wake up to a breakfast complete with a glass of green milk that my mom would tell me and my sister, as we giggled, that she had gotten from a green cow. I would immerse myself in stories about rainbows with pots of gold at the end and tiny little men dancing around in their green suits and hats. There was always something fun. I would draw and color four leaf clovers, decorating the front picture window as if it were my own private art gallery.
Holidays are fun but can also be stressful. So that’s something else I love about St.Patrick’s day…NO GIFT BUYING!! It started out as a Christian Holiday celebration of the patron saint, St. Patrick, who brought the teachings of Christianity to the Irish people in the 4th century. Yes, that’s right, he wasn’t Irish. He was actually born in Britain. However, over the centuries, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved and taken on more of a celebration of all things Irish. On March 17th, we are all a little Irish! So what fun things can we do, besides wearing green? Here are a few suggestions that you can do with friends, family and kids!
Gather up your favorite lawn chair, or slip on your most comfortable pair of shoes and head down to your local town parade. Many cities have them. You should be able to find information on your local city websites. What can be expected at a St. Paddy’s Day parade? Parade’s usually follow the same template…bands, local dance clubs, Shriners, local businesses all with fun floats, or routines. But some things you will see during the St. Patrick’s day parade, you won’t see at any others. 1) A green river. Yes, that’s right. It’s a tradition for the Chicago River to be dyed green for the celebration! 2) You will also see leprechauns…lots and lots of leprechauns! These wee little men are a type of fairy in Irish folklore. They are tricky little men who are said to have a hidden pot of gold. 3) There will also be shamrocks. The shamrock is the national flower of Ireland. The ancient Irish Druids / Celts held the shamrock in high regard since it had three leaves. Celtic beliefs were that anything that was necessary in life came in three’s. In the time of St. Patrick, it’s said that he used the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.
Go to your local Irish Pub and order a pint. In the United States, green beer is a tradition in a lot of bars and pubs. If you go to an Irish pub, be sure that you do things the Irish way. Order a Guinness or a Jameson whiskey! Many bars and restaurant try to do something special, like have live bands, or special Irish food, games like trivia or some other fun activities. Being the introvert I am, the bar scene isn’t always my first choice. The noise, amount of people, and social interaction wears me completely out. I do, however, enjoy a more intimate setting. A smaller venue, with good drinks, background music and good conversation is more my pace!
If you have children, going bar hopping may not be in the cards (or if that’s just not your thing), you can still have a lot of fun with your kids, no matter their age, or with a small group of friends! Make a traditional Irish dinner and dessert. Or, if you aren’t into cooking, just make some snacks, (a little green food coloring can make ho hum rice crispy treats into Leprechaun bars. Have your guests bring a snack to make it easier on everyone. Make a green punch using lime Sherbert, vanilla ice-cream, 7-up, and ice. For an adult mix, add a little vodka to taste! Mix together for a frothy cold drink! If you have grown kids, have them over for an Irish feast and Guinness or green beer! Play St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, or Pot of Gold quarters! Even a Scavenger hunt could be a blast…just be responsible and keep it safe, folks! Water pong or beer pong depending on the age group in attendance is always fun. Be creative!
However you decide to spend St. Patrick’s day: “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish Proverb
