If it has not become completely, painfully, and obnoxiously obvious from my Facebook, Pinterest and just me in general - St. Patrick's Day shares top billing with Christmas as my favorite holiday. I have not collected quite as many St. Patrick's Day decorations as Christmas, but I am getting there slowly but surely. Someday, the house will look like a leprechaun clover village come February 15. If there were a holiday for which I would want to be showered with flowers, chocolates and jewelry I would prefer it be St. Patrick's Day over Valentine's Day.
I come from a 50/50 split of Irish and Swiss Italian (in that order) upbinging. I am proud of my Swiss Italian roots and credit it for my intense love of pizza, but I have spent a lot more time marinating in my mother's Irish side of the family. The Neville's, strong Irish folk who are full of love, adore family, laughter, and loud parties. We are a beautiful mess. So not only is St. Patrick's Day a celebration of the man, the clover, a somewhat religious holiday, and Guinness, for me it is a celebration of the family I come from, the family that shaped me. So, I go all out. I take it very seriously.
St. Patrick's Day is also a supremely fun holiday. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. It unifies people across the bar. I took to Facebook and asked my friends, "What do you think about St. Patrick's Day? Or what is your favorite thing about the holiday?" Here are some of their wonderful and excellent answers:
"It is the unofficial start to the summer crazy beach party season! :)" - Ingrid B.
"First, it's the best holiday other than Christmas! And it's even better now that I can dress my daughter in St. Paddy's day outfits! :)" - Gina K.
"I love St. Patrick's Day! I always feel lucky that day. Also, I love the old Irish blessings, corned beef and cabbage (we ate this every year with my Gramps), wearing something green and leprechauns!" - Trisha G.
"Wearing an exTREMELY bright green shirt is not questioned during St. Patrick's Day. Most the rest of the year, people seem to wonder what type of person you are to love a bright green shirt enough to wear it. What if I just like bright colors? I happen to enjoy bright green." - Dave N.
"I have to say it's my least favorite holiday, except for the Irish dancing part which I love to watch and those sugar cookie shamrocks with the icing. Yum!" - Vania M.-J.
"Corn beef & cabbage, and potatoes!" - Steven D.
"Your brown bread. Nuff said." - Caitlin S. (I love you, seeester.)
"I like that everyone is Irish for one day, I wear green and get to harass people for not wearing green, AND I listen to Irish music all day :)" - Natalie B.
"Well... being Irish and damn proud of it, of course St. Patty's Day is one of my favorites! Being with family is what is most important to me." Maureen N.-L.
"I love that my bday is a holiday. Also I love that it is acceptable to start drinking at 8 am. Not that I would, of course." - Meagan L.
"I enjoy sharing my incredible talent with everyone- the Irish jig, of course." - Katie-Brice M.
"I remember as a kid my dad (who is Irish) would make a big giant dinner with corned beef, cabbage, green mashed potatoes, and green Milk! :) we always loved that! Plus my brother's middle name is Patrick and our grandma's birthday was on saint Patrick's day! :) I remember getting green bands on my braces for the special day! We always love it!" - Sara C.
"I always eat corned beef & cabbage. But my favorite thing THIS YEAR could be trying one of those awesome cupcakes (http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/03/14/irish-car-bomb-cupcakes/#more-11071)!!!" - Sharon W.
"Of course it is my favorite holiday....except for the fact I turn another year olde!! I miss you all! Love your faces!!" - Shannon N.
Have fun this St. Patrick's Day. Be safe. Please, for the love of the shillelagh, wear something green. Drink some good Irish beer, find a pot o' gold, eat some corned beef, and hug a leprechaun.
Sláinte!** ♣
*A hundred thousand welcomes!
** Cheers!
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| Neville Clan |
LOVE!
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