St Patrick’s Day is here and marks the beginning of our long-awaited Spring season! Whether you’re Irish or not, many of us like to celebrate by wearing something green for the sake of not getting pinched, and looking for rainbows and a pot of gold. St Patrick’s Day history isn’t common knowledge, however, so here is a little bit about the holiday before we get into some fun ways to celebrate with your kid’s and family!
In America, St Patrick’s Day started with the Irish soldiers who served in the British Army; a celebration of Irish Patriotism. The first Parade was held in New York in 1762 and continued to grow with the immigration of the Irish during the Great Potato Famine. Previously in history, this day was celebrated as a pause from the season of Lent with a religious feast in Ireland honoring St. Patrick and his Christian evangelizing of the Irish Country. Today, celebrations are decidedly less religious and continue to showcase the strength and pride of the Irish heritage.
Clover Prints
Four leaf clovers, the symbol of luck and fortune! Capture your little one’s growing hand prints and create some luck of your own. You will need:
- a canvas paint board
- a brush
- some pretty green hand paint, that’s all you will need!
Pot-O-Gold Twirler
This colorful craft is nice to hang in an open window or even on your porch. Who say’s there isn’t gold at the end of this rainbow?
- Paper plates
- Black and yellow construction/craft paper
- Paint colors of your choice
- Scissors
- glue stick
- Paint brush
Another variation of this if you would like to forgo the paint. You will need:
- Construction paper pack of various colors
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Glitter glue (optional)
Play dough is something you can use anytime and it’s especially fun for the rather rainy Spring days when outdoor play is limited. You will need:
- 1 cup of flour
- ¼ cup salt
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 ½ – 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- Food coloring of choice
- Large, gold glitter flakes
- Pot, wooden spoon, and a stove
Stir together dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients including the coloring. Stir continuously until the mixture has formed one large clump. Dump out onto your counter and knead with your hands. Let cool and let the kids play! Sprinkle gold flecks onto the dough before you knead or let the kids have fun with the glitter! Create rainbows by making different color dough and use a shamrock cookie cutter to make it festive. This makes about 1 ½ cups of play dough and will last up to 6 months stored properly in a ziplock bag with little air as possible inside the bag.
Leprechaun Faces
If you’re already crafting with construction paper for the Pot-O-Gold craft mentioned above, why not join in on this one too? Anyways, everyone needs a little leprechaun on St. Partick’s Day as well as a pot of gold with a rainbow! You will need:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Googly eyes (optional)
Cut your construction paper in pieces like those shown here. Glue away! You can even hide these around the house and let your little ones hunt for a leprechaun!
Green Shamrock Smoothie
What’s not to love about green on St. Patrick’s Day? Even your kids will like this one, and it’s full of nutrients and greens your kids may otherwise bulk at eating. What you will need:
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 green apple, peeled and core removed
- 2 cups water or milk, nut milk, or use ½ amount of 100% apple juice
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 handfuls spinach (about 1-2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Honey to sweeten (optional)
Blend until smooth. Add more water or milk to make a thinner consistency. Makes a great snack or breakfast addition!
You don’t have to be a magical artist to make some cute and nice crafts with your kids, so have fun and make something together. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
