This week is St. Patrick’s Day and I can see where it would be easy for many of us to just let it go by without much thought because, let’s be honest, Easter is in two weeks and that is where most of our creative energy is going. I know, I get it! As a mother of 4 kids between the ages of 6 months and 7 years old, exerting more energy than is absolutely necessary is nearly impossible and highly undesirable.
I search the internet for days, or weeks even, in preparation of themed holidays. You should see all the cute ideas I have roaming around in my head…except you probably never will because that is as far as they get…just in my head, not put into motion.
The truth is though, there are just too many holidays and not enough energy in my body to make them all cute and special the way I would really like. Although I try, and start preparing sometimes months in advance, when the day comes to put all my ideas into motion I let excuses stop me from doing what I planned, blaming lack of energy or claiming there is not enough time to pull it all off. (Which if you think about it is the silliest lie ever, remember, I’ve been preparing ideas for days and/or weeks)
In hopes of giving you a successful St. Patrick’s Day celebration and not letting excuses stop you, I have put together a list of 8 fun and easy ways to make sure it is a success this year, all while reducing any major planning or preparation on your end, although you may need to make a trip to the grocery store.
1. Lucky Charms for breakfast
Your kids will think you are awesome when they come downstairs to a box of Lucky Charms waiting for them. Take it up a notch by surrounding it with gold coins and shamrock confetti, while serving it in green bowls with green spoons. (Whoa, too much planning there, it will be okay, deep breaths…) Now read it again slowly and realize that it is cute with or without green dishes. (photo credit gettyimages.co.uk)
2. Corned beef and cabbage crock pot dinner
This is one of my favorite dishes to make on St. Patrick’s Day. The day of, pull out the handy crockpot, dice up some potatoes and carrots then add them in with the corned beef. Sprinkle the meat with the season packet included with it, then cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. About 30 to 45 minutes before serving add cabbage onto of the meat to cook. Delicious! (photo credit food.com)
3. Rainbow fruit platter
Perfect to add with breakfast, lunch or dinner, this is a fun and healthy option. Your kids will love the creativity behind the design, and you will probably think it is too pretty to eat. (recipe and photo credit kraftrecipes.com)
4. Lime Sherbet Floats
Scoop some sherbet into a cup, add some sprite, then BAM! A fun and tasty way to wet your whistle. (photo credit homecookingmemories.com)
5. Make a rainbow
All you need for this one is a bag of fruit loops, glue, and paper. Let your children sort out matching colors, then glue all the pieces onto paper or card stock. Fun for all ages, and great for sensory exercises too. (photo credit mommyapolis.com)
6. Hunt for four leaf clovers
Go for a walk looking for clover patches. If you find one, look closely for a four leaf clover. Rumor has it that there are special powers hidden in a four leaf clovers. If you find one, make a wish on it, perhaps the leprechauns will hear it. (photo credit avasflowers.net)
7. Paint your fingernails
A simple way to make a fun activity with your children is to have a little manicure session. Get green fingernail polish and take turns doing each other’s hands. Perhaps add some glitter to the mix and really go for it. (photo credit popsugar.com)
8. Make a leprechaun trap
Yes, I know…this one can seem a little more difficult to plan for than the other St. Patrick’s Day suggestions, but the possibilities are endless and the family time you get putting a trap together is priceless. If a leprechaun makes an appearance at your house this year, share your pictures with me. I would LOVE to see them.
I hope you will give one or all of these St. Patrick’s Day activities a try. Which of these ideas is your favorite? I would love to hear what other fun and easy activities you do on St. Patrick’s Day, so leave a comment and share some ideas with me. Have fun!
We have a leprechaun who visits our house. Here are some posts from my blog about him. hehe!
http://darwinandmelissa.blogspot.com/2009/03/calvin-orussell-visits-jensens.html
http://darwinandmelissa.blogspot.com/2008/03/happy-st-patricks-day.html