ENJOY A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ST. PATRICK’S DAY THIS YEAR!
How Drinking Hijacked a Cultural Holiday
Once upon a time, St. Patrick’s Day celebrated Saint Patrick on the anniversary of the day he died. Over time, the day evolved to include religious feasts and services. The day continued to emphasize Irish culture, history, and traditions. Migrating to the United States, Americans began holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade as early as 1737. In the 1840s, the parade became a treasured part of the tradition when hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants who escaped the potato famine flocked to major New England cities and enjoying the celebration of all that is Irish. With a single day abstention of Catholic Lenten obligations for these celebrations, drinking alcohol and throwing large parties contributed to the popularity and festiveness associated with the holiday. Over the years, the drinking became the focus. Learn more by reading Dr. Patricia O’Gorman’s article: Why Pubs Order More Potatoes for St. Patrick’s Day: Hint…it’s Not Because the Irish Love Them.
These days, comments like “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” are favored chants, but mostly during festivities that celebrate the drinking and less of the heritage. These drinking-related festivities take what once was a beloved community-wide Irish tradition and transforms it into a day that is no longer family-friendly. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Returning the Focus to Celebrating Being Irish in a Family Friendly Way
Here are some wonderful resources for learning more about how to return the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to families.
Learn More about Sober St. Patrick’s Day® – The mission of Sober St. Patrick’s Day is to reclaim the true spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by changing the perception and experience from an occasion for binge drinking and other misuse of alcohol to a celebration of the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick.
Celebrate with Irish Music- Here is a list of some of the most popular Irish musicians. Create a mix to play, or select some of your favorites. Music is such an important element of culture, and a wonderful way to celebrate Irish heritage. Musicians include: Thin Lizzy, The Cranberries, Christy Moore, Enya, Van Morrison, The Dubliners, Sinead O’Connor, U2, The Pogues, The Iris Rovers, and Gilbert O’Sullivan.
22 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Kids – If you are looking for some great ideas to get caught up in all things green, gold, shamrocks, and rainbows, this list will certainly inspire you to create fun that can last all weekend long!
41 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crafts to DIY With the Whole Family – Enjoy this collection of ideas for ways the family can gather together for Irish or green projects and fun.
Fun Ideas for a Sham-Rockin’ Teen St. Patrick’s Party – Find some great suggestions about ways to help create fun and festive ways for tweens and teens to enjoy a family-oriented St. Patrick’s Day, or to create a gathering just for them!
St. Patrick’s Day Worksheets, Puzzles, and Games – Find a collection of St. Patrick’s Day activities, puzzles, and games to download and enjoy with the family!
How To Draw a Cartoon Leprechaun – This YouTube video can help anyone become an artist and draw cute Leprechauns to create coloring pages for kids. Or everyone can watch it together and have a contest to see who does the best drawing!
St. Patrick’s Day Facts for Kids – Homeschool Pop creates fun videos for elementary-aged kids. In this video, kids of all ages can enjoy a fun film full of history, holiday, clovers, leprechauns and even green rivers.
May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore!
