Kelly Gilmore
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world, but who is Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate the holiday?
Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland. He lived during the fifth century and died on March 17, which is the day we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s believed that Saint Patrick explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of a shamrock, Ireland’s native clover. St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for over 1,000 years now, and Irish families would typically spend their holiday going to church in the morning and celebrating with a big feast and dancing afterward.
Now known for its parades, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the United States in 1762. The parade took place in New York City and is still known as one of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day parades each year. Boston is another city known for its parade.
While this St. Patrick’s Day may look a little different for us all, minus the crowded bars and big parades, there is still plenty of fun you can have at home. Celebrate with these fun activities:
1. Make a St. Patrick’s Day Feast
Whether it’s classic corned beef and cabbage or another traditional Irish dish, such as Bangers and Mash or Irish Stew, there is no shortage of tasty recipes that will get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Getting the whole family together in the kitchen to make these delicious meals is a great way to pay homage to Ireland’s delicious culture on this holiday at home.
2. Bake Green Treats
Baking your favorite sweets with green food dye or decorating with green frosting and edible gold flakes can put a lucky twist on a classic treat. If you’re looking to whip up something new, try out a Saint Patrick’s Day Trifle! Simply fill cups with layers of Cool Whip, crushed graham cracker, green vanilla pudding and top it off with a gold coin or gold dust. This easy recipe can be personalized and adjusted to fit any flavor desired such as adding in Key Lime flavoring, vanilla extract or even spicing it up with a bit of Bailey’s for the adults.
3. Curl Up, Kick Back and Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Movie
Bring Ireland to your TV screens by watching a themed flick for this holiday. “Leap Year,” starring Amy Adams, takes viewers on her journey to and through Dublin to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day! As Irish tradition states, a man who is proposed to on Leap Day in Ireland must accept. This PG-rated romantic comedy is a flick for the whole family.
4. Learn an Irish Dance
Put on some Irish music and introduce the kids to a new form of dance: river dancing. There are many step-by-step videos on the internet, like this one that teaches you the fun Irish jig.
5. Bring the Bars To Your Backyard
Create some boozy beverages that you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Blend up a Shamrock Shake with vanilla ice cream, milk, vanilla vodka and green food coloring; make a Green Bloody Mary using tomatillos; or just crack open an ice-cold Guinness. Miss your friends during your celebration? FaceTime them into the party!
6. Go on St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Make a scavenger hunt around the house for the whole family to enjoy! Use free printable treasure hunt sheets to put the whole thing together and watch as your kids solve the clues and find the prize. Hide their favorite snack or a new toy in a pot of gold at the last stop.
7. Try Your Luck with St. Patrick’s Game Night
Gather the whole family into the living room and conduct a fun competition of St. Patrick’s Day trivia. Or arrange a game like The Price is Right, where everyone can guess the prices of holiday fare, such as a Shamrock Shake or a box of Lucky Charms. Find a printable trivia sheet here.
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