Guest Writer
Sarah Lockwood
How to Have a Fun-Filled, Family-Friendly, and Alcohol-Free St Patrick’s Day
There are many St Patrick’s Day celebrations involving green beer, whiskey, and cakes and cupcakes infused with beer and liquor, but abstaining from alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. On the contrary, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without sacrificing your sobriety. In fact, it’s a great day to do some fun activities with your children.
Go for a Family Run
St Patrick’s Day is a popular day for marathons. You don’t have to look far to find a 5k or a marathon near you on March 17th. Even if you choose to celebrate responsibly later in the day, nothing will lift your spirits like a good run in the morning. Get the whole family involved and get everyone some good exercise! Search sites like RunSignUp for events happening on March 17th to find marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, and more in a city near you. Get a group of friends (and their kids) to join you and design your own custom t-shirts made to commemorate the day.
Attend or Host a Sober St Patrick’s Day Event
The idea of Sober St. Patrick’s Day originated in New York City, but the concept was such a hit that many other cities are following suit with their own alcohol-free celebrations. With the goal of reclaiming the true history and spirit of the holiday, Sober St Patrick’s Day events are the perfect way to celebrate in a kid-friendly environment and have some fun without the need to hit the bottle. No Sober St. Patrick’s Day in your city? Start your own.
Attend a St Patrick’s Day Parade
St Patrick’s Day parades are a common sight around the country in celebration of the holiday. A great activity to get kids involved in the spirit of St Patrick’s Day without exposing them to drinking and rowdy behaviors, St Patrick’s Day parades are good, wholesome fun for the whole family. The best way to find out where the nearest St Patrick’s Day parade is happening is through a Google search. Cities like Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, Savannah, and many others hold annual events on or near St Patrick’s Day.
Enjoy Some Delectable Irish Eats
Try some traditional corned beef and cabbage, Irish apple cake, or bangers and mash to please your taste buds without a drop of liquor. Your kids may just enjoy having a special meal that you don’t necessarily have any other time of year.
St Patrick’s Day celebrations may be commonly associated with drinking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time celebrating the holiday while staying sober and keeping it family-friendly.
Image via Pixabay by larsen9236
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Thanks to our guest writer Sarah Lockwood who put together ThePreventionCoalition.org after watching her daughter struggle with addiction for years. She understands the difficulties young people and their loved ones face when drug use becomes an issue.