Do you know what I love about St. Patrick’s Day? I love how it brings us all together. No matter what our background is, we suddenly all feel Irish come March 17th. I’m pretty sure I don’t have a drop of Irish blood in me and yet I run out to buy some corned beef and cabbage and put on some green clothes with everybody else.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Looking back on the many St. Patty’s I’ve celebrated; some were more successful than others.
There was the time when I made a “green meal” and served everything green. I thought it was clever and fun. My family did not. I think my son is still traumatized about the green bread. He was pretty sure it was moldy.
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
I learned after that year that I don’t have to go crazy with the Irish theme. I can simplify and everyone (including me) will be much happier. I wrote about preparing a simple St. Patrick’s Day here: An EASY St. Paddy’s Day Dinner . There’s also a yummy Irish Soda Scone recipe there!
Ann Kirsten
A few years ago we did a series on Cookies-of-the-Month. Our March cookies were these green crinkle cookies. The recipe uses a white cake mix so it is quick and easy to whip together. These would make a perfect ending for any St. Patty’s Day meal (or to add to school lunches) March Cookie of the Month: Green Crinkles.
Ann Kirsten
Last year, I made green felt shamrocks. They can be put onto barrettes, headbands, stems from the yard, or anywhere else you can think of. They sew together in a flash. I’m going to make more of them this year and add them to my collection.
Ann Kirsten
This blog also teaches you how to use fresh flowers as a science experiment and color them green. DIY Felt Shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day
Ann Kirsten
This year I tried a new way to decorate for the season. I grabbed some canning jars from the thrift store (49 cents each), bought some craft paint and foam brushes from the craft store and I was set to go.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ann Kirsten
- Jars
- Craft paint (ceramcoat worked the best) or chalk paint
- Foam brushes
- A sanding block or a thick emery board
- Old newspaper or waxed paper
Directions:
Lay down paper for a drop cloth on the table.
Starting from just under the screw top edge, paint the jars from top to bottom all around the jar. Let it dry. Some types of paint will need more than one coat. After it is dry, paint around the top ridged edge. You might find it easier to use a paint brush for this part. After the top dries, use sandpaper or an emery board to lightly sand any raised edges for a rustic look.
Ann Kirsten
Note: I did not paint the bottoms of the jars as I didn’t want any possible paint transfer onto furniture.
When everything is dry, take a walk outside and trim whatever greenery you can find. I added pussy willows and daffodils from the grocery store. I have loved pussy willows ever since I was a young child. There is something magical about the fuzzy catkins.
Ann Kirsten
Fill the jars with water and place your flowers and cuttings inside. Group the jars on a table and see how they brighten not only your home but also your spirits.
Ann Kirsten
Extra craft: Let the kids dip their fingers into any leftover paint and make three fingerprints in the shape of a clover. Add the stems with a paintbrush.
Ann Kirsten
Outline the shamrocks with pen if desired. Make them in a row for a bookmark or turn them into tags for a pot of clover. Grandparents will love them!
Ann Kirsten
Have you ever wondered why Saint Patrick is celebrated? He had quite a colorful past and it’s worth looking up and reading about. Here’s a short version:
There are many myths surrounding Saint Patrick, but his story is quite remarkable without the myths. He was taken from his father’s house when he was 16 and carried into slavery in Ireland. He spent six years in slavery with only his faith to keep him going. He dreamed of a ship carrying him to freedom, so he escaped. His road to freedom was hard and included recapture, starvation, and other obstacles. He was finally reunited with his family. Years later, he received a letter that said the Irish people needed him. He returned to Ireland and began his ministry.
Whether you are of Irish heritage or not, I think we can all agree that St. Patrick’s Day is a fun excuse to buy a pot of clover, pop some soda bread in the oven, and wear some green for the day.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
