Posted by Steps to Recovery on March 12, 2013
The second biggest drinking day of the year is almost upon us. Saint Patrick’s Day is second only to the day before Thanksgiving in drinking, according to most sources. So, how to have a sober Saint Patrick’s Day when this holiday has become so iconic in our culture as a day to get really drunk? Here are 4 ideas to help you out.
- Avoid the bars. Of course, this seems so obvious, but it is really a great plan to avoid getting caught up in something you don’t *really* want to do. Besides, as if beer isn’t bad enough for you already, who needs some artificial green food coloring added to it to make it even worse? But seriously, just say no to the bars if you want to have a sober Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Cook at home. Corned beef and cabbage are really easy to make in the crock pot. Anyone can do it! When you get up in the morning, toss the corned beef into the slow cooker, as well as the cabbage and anything else you want in there, some spices, a little water and cook it on low all day. It will be amazing and rewarding, you cooked your own awesome holiday meal and avoided the alcohol that will be everywhere if you eat out! A great way to celebrate a sober Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Go to a meeting. Especially if you feel the urge to drink or feel lonely or bored.
- Hang out with sober friends, get together and play some card or board games. Serve snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Make it an annual gathering and begin your own tradition out of having a sober Saint Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick’s Day, which originally started as a Catholic holy day, has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Saint Patrick’s mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years, afterward he retired. Since his death on March 17 in AD 461, the day has been commemorated as Saint Patrick’s Day. The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint’s feast day. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City in 1766. Since then the holiday has seemed to become an excuse to drink in excess as indulgence is deeply rooted in its traditions.
But you can break this tradition of drinking on Saint Patrick’s Day, and reframe it into something more positive. A good time with friends and family, sober. Wouldn’t that be more of an honor to Saint Patrick anyways? Who wants to be remembered by a bunch of people getting really drunk and feeling bad the next day..Doesn’t sound like much of an honor to me at all!
How are you spending your sober Saint Patrick’s Day?
