Whether you have ancestors who came over from Ireland or not, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Irish folks have observed the Roman Catholic feast of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, since around the ninth or 10th century, but nowadays, those celebrations look very different than they once did, especially in America. In fact, many of the St. Patrick's Day activities and traditions you know and love today actually originated in America. However, whether those beloved traditions are traditionally Irish or not, what really matters on March 17 is having a good time.

Before you worry that you're doing it all wrong, take it as a good sign that Ireland has embraced some of these St. Patrick's Day activities that started in America, such as parades, corned beef, and even green beer (though it took a while for Ireland to come around to that tradition). From making yummy St. Patrick's Day recipes to putting together easy St. Patrick's Day crafts, there's really no wrong way to celebrate all things Irish on March 17. If you're not sure how to spend your day this year, then here are some ideas that people of all ages can enjoy.

1. Bake soda bread.

Making a traditional Irish soda bread recipe consisting of flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt is easier than you think. This type of bread originated in Ireland in the early 1800s and allowed people who didn't have an oven (which was most people at the time) to make bread.

2. Wear green.

Of course, March 17 can't come and go without you donning at least one piece of green clothing. Whether you're trying to avoid being pinched or want an excuse to wear your green pleather pants, consider embracing the colorful tradition, even with a simple green accessory.

3. Have a shamrock cookie decorating contest.

Decorating cookies can be a part of any holiday, not just Christmas. Gather your kids or friends for a shamrock cookie decorating contest, with the winner getting bragging rights (and maybe an extra cookie or two after dinner). Make sure you invest in a shamrock cookie cutter and green icing ahead of time!

4. Play a St. Patrick's Day-themed game.

No matter your age, there are St. Patrick's Day-themed games for everyone to enjoy. From St. Paddy's Bingo for the whole family to green drinking dice for the adults, everyone's bound to find a game that'll keep them laughing and competing for hours.

5. Make green slime.

Slime on its own can be really fun — but making your own slime? That takes the fun to the next level. You can watch the goo come to life in front of you, and the best part is that this slime kit comes with a bunch of colors, so you don't have to limit the fun to St. Paddy's Day. 

6. Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade.

St. Patrick's Day parades are held throughout the country, both in major cities and small towns, and you can do an online search to see whether there's a parade taking place near you this year. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic hindered last year's in person parades, these annual celebrations will return in 2022. Chicago, New York City, and Boston are just a few cities known to hold notorious St. Paddy's Day parades.

7. Have a Guinness. 

Guinness really is the official drink of St. Patrick's Day, and whether or not you're usually into the stout beer, go ahead and try a pint if you never have. You may just find that the creamy, delicious beer is your new favorite.

8. Search for four-leaf clovers.

Take the kids on an adventure in search of lucky four-leaf clovers. They'll be endlessly entertained searching through a clover field to find the lucky ones, and it's a good way to get outside and get the imagination wandering.

9. Plan a scavenger hunt.

Test your luck this year by setting up a scavenger hunt with a few friends, family, and the kids. You can hide treats around the neighborhood with clues, and, who knows — you just may win a pot of gold! 

10. Bake something green.

Starting the day off with green velvet silver dollar pancakes and ending it with sweet Lucky Charm cookies sounds like the perfect way to ring in the colorful holiday. But the most important thing is to restore your kitchen after the baking if you're a novice at cooking. And the bigger problem might be the crazy mess in your house after St.Patrick's party! So here are your good household helpers from AutoBot: we have three types of vacuum cleaners that can be adapted to different needs of cleaning. Come get your great after-party helper now! 

Source: CHRISTY PIÑA, ANNIE O'SULLIVAN AND CORINNE SULLIVAN

           https://www.womansday.com/