Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

Introduction to our Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

1 - Learn About St. Patrick – You may not know much about the namesake of this traditional (religious) holiday, and there’s no better time to learn than on the day we celebrate both his historic life as well as the rich Irish heritage and culture! A simple web search will pull up a lot of information on Ireland’s patron saint who’s credited with converting the island nation to Christianity in the 5th century. From pirates to prophetic visions, his story is a fascinating read!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

2 - Wear Something Green – This is an easy feat for all us military reporting to work on St. Patrick’s Day, but even for those staying home, wearing green can be a lot of fun. Legend has it, people started wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day because they believed leprechauns would pinch anyone they could see (that is, anyone not wearing green). People began pinching anyone they saw not wearing green as a reminder to put on the green! However, due to social distancing this year, please limit your pinching efforts (this goes for kissing anyone who’s “Irish,” too). By the way, wearing orange is also fine (you know who you are).

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

3 - Arts & Crafts with St. Patrick – Doing arts and crafts with St. Patrick is especially helpful for families out there whose kids suddenly took to online or home schooling. Construction paper, colored pencils and yarn can go far in entertaining the young ones (or those young at heart). There are many great ideas available online if you need help getting the ‘ol creative mind grapes going.

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

4 - Listen to Irish Music – St. Patrick’s Day is also about celebrating Ireland’s history and culture. In this way, it’s a great time to introduce yourself to the rich musical stylings of the Irish. The Air Force Band actually has a group of musicians who took it upon themselves to celebrate this style of music (as well as other similar styles) by forming the group Celtic Aire. You can check out some of their music here. Social distancing doesn’t mean anti-social, so tell us what’s your favorite limerick?

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

5 - Watch Irish Step Dancing – And when the timpan and feadan drop a beat, the feet have to start getting jiggy, you know? See for yourself by doing a web search for Irish Step Dancing. It’s infectious (like COVID-19, so wash your hands), and can really get you moving in your own living room!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

6 - Have Your Own Fun Run – Getting and staying moving is important when your normal fitness routines are interrupted (sorry about the gainz, y’all). A St. Patrick’s Day fun run would normally be in order, but with the practice of social distancing (and the real risk of contracting COVID-19), it wouldn’t be so fun this year. You can still get your run in, though! So, put on your green fitness gear and hit the trails or sidewalks near your own home! The wearing of festive green tutus and flashing shamrock glasses is also acceptable.

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

7 - Make a Corned Beef and Cabbage Feast – After your step dancing and fun run, you’ll probably have a nice calorie deficit. Corned beef and cabbage is the turkey and trimmings of St. Patrick’s Day, and there’s nothing quite like a slow-cooked corned beef brisket with melt-in-your mouth cabbage and potatoes. An internet search will pull up a number of wonderful recipes, but we recommend going the slow-cooker approach. Just a couple of tips: use a rich Irish beer for the brothy-base (the heat burns away the alcohol, so it’s safe for the little-ones to eat), and thick cut your vegetables which will ensure they don’t disintegrate after eight hours in your slow cooker while still absorbing all the deliciousness therein. Don’t forget the green food-coloring from your grocers to Irishify your beverage of choice!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

8 - Bake Irish Soda Bread – Complimenting the corned beef and cabbage is Irish soda bread. This stuff is fantastic, especially as toast with a traditional Irish breakfast. The bread is great with dinner, too! There are a number of good (and easy to make) recipes online. Basic baking ingredients will see you through on this simple bread, so an extra trip to the store may not be necessary. Hint: buttermilk can be easily made by combining 1 cup milk with 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (our preference) or white vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes and then it’s ready for use!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

9 - Bake Some Lucky Desserts – Capture the luck of the Irish by creating any number of St. Patrick’s Day themed desserts to have after dinner. Again, many recipes can be found online, depending on what floats your shillelagh, but a bread pudding, Irish apple cake with custard sauce, or Irish shortbread might just be the ticket to having a special St. Patrick’s Day you’ll remember!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

10 - Watch the Quiet Man – Why not start a new St. Patrick’s Day tradition this year by watching one of the greatest John Wayne films of all time: The Quiet Man! While having nothing at all to do with St. Patrick’s Day, this John Ford-directed classic gives you a glimpse into rural Ireland of the early 20th century. It has action, comedy and romance, and it goes great with or after dinner. It’s your duty to watch this movie at least once in your life, and it’s a great way to end your St. Patrick’s Day!

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Luck ‘o the Irish? Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition

Published March 17, 2020
By Master Sgt. Nicholas Filip
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Introduction to our Top 10 Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day – COVID-19 Edition