St. Patrick’s Day: How to really go green
March 17th is one of my favorite days of the year. St. Patrick’s Day! Though it honors the patron saint of Ireland, today St. Patrick’s Day (SPD) is celebrated by many people throughout the world – Irish and non-Irish alike – with food, drink and all things green.
Here are three great ways for you to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Research Your Heritage
It’s well-known among my friends and family that I love SPD. My namesake researched our ancestry and I am precisely 6.25% Irish. However, on SPD and during every Notre Dame Football game, I pretend to be 100% Irish. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone, so I think that automatically makes me a little more Irish.
Have you traced your family tree? If not, set a time to sit down with a senior member of your family and take the time to learn your genealogy. It’s interesting. And maybe you too will be able to honestly say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish!”
2. Go Green
If you are reading this today, chances are you are at work. I am sorry for you. But you can still squeeze in some green-themed fun afterhours. Head to McDonald’s on your way home and enjoy their famed Shamrock Shake before it’s gone. Visit a local pub this evening and wash down your fish and chips with a green beer.
Or use today to make a change to be more environmentally friendly. You can “go green” by using paperless statements. You can also investigate a document management solution to decrease your institution’s use of paper. Both your credit union and its members will benefit from a more efficient, secure way to run your business.
3. Mark your calendar for 3/17/15
Plan to take the day off next year to see how your community celebrates SPD. Local parades are always a good time. In fact, Cleveland’s annual SPD parade has over 10,000 participants with bands, floats, drill teams, marching units – all sorts of fun stuff.
Maybe you want to see if your credit union wants to join in on the fun with its own float! It’s a great way to get out into the community while having a good time.
If crowds and pubs aren’t your thing, you could host a SPD party. Invite your friends and family over and ask them to wear green. You can serve corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew. Go crazy with the food coloring and bake green shamrock-shaped sugar cookies topped with green frosting. Play some Irish music. Ireland has a long and storied musical history, and many incredible styles have emerged. Celtic, folk and traditional Irish pub songs will perfectly round out your party.
I’m off to watch enjoy some Irish dancing from the talented students from Burke School of Irish Dance. But before I do, let me wish Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! Go green!
