I’ve heard many people complain that St. Patrick’s day is a ridiculous holiday to celebrate and they hate that people like me make a big deal about it.  Well, here are some reasons you should celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Culture:  I know not every one of us has ancestors from Ireland and so it seems a bit ridiculous to celebrate something Irish.  Some of us aren’t part of religions that have saints or celebrate them.  However, our country was founded by people that came from all over, including Ireland and they were part of religions that celebrated St. Patrick.  So many Americans don’t feel like they have anything cultural that identifies them.  I think that is because we are too busy to have traditions and celebrations even though there are many already in place.  It is good for my kids to have things to look forward to and break the monotony and business of daily life.
2. Imagination:  My kids are visited by leprechauns every St. Patrick’s day.  If they haven’t been up to too much trouble, they leave little treats and tokens for them.  Often the treat is something green to wear like stickers, or earrings, or tshirts.  They love looking forward to little people coming to visit them and leave them treats.  It really helps them develop their imaginations so they can dream bigger and better about what is possible in this world we live in.  It’s part of the magic of childhood.  Even when they grow a little older and know that I assist the little green men to give them treats, they still look forward to the celebration.
3. Fun:  Leprechauns can be a bit mischievous.  They might turn the milk green or leave footprints on the toilet seat.  They also like to avoid those pesky traps the kids set up for them.  What better way to play with your children than to be a part of their fun.
4. Food:  There are lots of traditional foods from Ireland like corn beef and cabbage.  Of course, my kids won’t eat that.  But it can still be fun to have green eggs or green pancakes just to mix things up a bit.  Memories are created when we get our taste buds involved!

If you are feeling like it is just too much work to do something extravagant for one more holiday, still celebrate but simplify.  What better way to create magic with your family than through traditions and celebrations.  Teach your kids that they are a part of a great country built on the backs of great men and women from long ago.  Teach them that they are the great men and women of our future.