How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day While Sober
You Can Enjoy the Celebration Without Indulging in Beer or Whisky
To many people, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate wildly, and of course, drink lots of Irish whiskey and green beer. The last part is especially true for the secular celebrations of the holiday. Many people, who likely are not even Irish, get excited for the day just for the excuse to get drunk. For a recovering alcoholic or anyone else who wishes to stay sober, this is a holiday that can be filled with frustration, fear, and temptation.
Contrary to popular belief, there is more to St. Patrick’s Day than heavy drinking and wild partying, especially if you want to celebrate it in a way that is true to its heritage. As the season of green is fast approaching, the luck of the Irish can be with everyone, regardless of whether you drink.
How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while sober
Here are a few things you can do to embrace the Irish spirit while staying sober:
Attend a parade
Cities across the country celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by hosting parades. They are an excellent way to get into the spirit of the holiday without centering the celebration around drinking. Watching a parade is an excellent excuse for you to spend time with friends and family during the day, and parades provide entertainment for all ages.
Cook a traditional Irish meal
Food brings people together and is an excellent way to celebrate a cultural holiday like St. Patrick’s Day. Instead of going out to the bar or a restaurant, put on your chef’s hat and pick out a recipe!
Listen to Irish music
Traditional Irish songs are lively and exciting; the type of music that practically demands that you stand up and dance along or at least tap your foot to the beat. Listening to these songs is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the holiday.
Celebrate with Irish-themed food and drinks
Perhaps the most iconic Irish-themed drink is the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, but it is by no means the only option. Countless restaurants offer their own special Irish twists to the menu, which can be anything from a true traditional dish to merely coloring one of their popular menu items green.
Go for a run
If running is a hobby of yours or finishing a race is a bucket list goal, St. Patrick’s Day is an excellent opportunity to join a 5K race. These races are hosted all around the country on St. Patrick’s Day. Many participants choose to spice up the day with a dash of Irish flair. Runners frequently choose to dress as leprechauns, color themselves green, or carry a “pot of gold” (usually candy to toss to the crowd) with them during the run.
Spend time with sober friends
What matters most about a holiday is that it brings together friends and family for an enjoyable time. You can spend St. Patrick’s Day doing whatever activity you want without including drinking. Remember, the fun of the day does not come from alcohol, but from the company you choose to share it with.