Our Family Traditions: St. Patrick's Day

In our family, St. Patrick’s Day is not a quiet holiday. It is eagerly anticipated, talked about for days in advance, and when it finally arrives, there is usually at least one person attempting a celebratory jig in the kitchen. 

That, my friends, is not an exaggeration. Brigette took Irish step dancing lessons for a season or two, though she is resistant to publicly display her skills. 

Somewhere between the dancing, the food, and the laughter, St. Patrick’s Day has become one of our favorite reasons to gather! 

A Little History Behind St. Patrick’s Day 

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17, honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, what began as a religious feast day has grown into a broader celebration of Irish culture and heritage. 

Being avid lovers of history, we take time to learn about St. Patrick himself. His story is one of courage and faith. After being taken to Ireland as a slave, he later returned as a missionary, sharing the message of the Gospel with the very people among whom he had once suffered.  

We admire his bravery and the quiet strength of his calling. It adds a deeper meaning to the day and gives us something lasting to reflect on, even as we jovially celebrate together. 

The Irish Roots of Our Family 

The Piper & Leaf family has Irish lineage on nearly every side. Our favorite story is how the Knapp's great-great grandfather, Michael Clancy, made the journey from Ireland to the United States. He eventually settled in Ohio, where our mom was later born and raised. 

That connection transforms this holiday into something more personal and grounding. It is not just about wearing green or enjoying a themed meal. It is about remembering where our family began and honoring the stories that brought us here. 

Of course, we all wear green, too. You won’t find a member of our family getting pinched on March 17th! 

A Table Full of Irish Comfort 

As with many of our family traditions, St. Patrick’s Day centers around a shared meal. 

The menu rarely changes, and the kids would certainly declare mutiny if we tried. There is something comforting yet exciting about returning to the same dishes year after year, knowing exactly what will be waiting when everyone gathers. 

On our table, you will usually find: 

A Little Fun (and a Little Mischief) 

St. Patrick’s Day would not feel complete without a bit of playfulness mixed in. 

For the younger kids, one of the highlights is the “pot of gold.” They dig through it with great determination, searching for chocolate coins and whatever other surprises might be hidden inside. It does not take long before gold wrappers are scattered as the sugar rush kicks in! 

Later in the evening, we settle down to watch one of our favorite Irish films. 

A few classics that have made their way into our rotation: 

Though these older films may sound unfamiliar to you, we encourage you to give them a watch! We think you’ll enjoy them as much as our Irish-loving clan.  

A Cup of Green Tea, the Piper & Leaf Way 

No Piper & Leaf gathering would be complete without tea, and St. Patrick’s Day gives us the perfect excuse to have a little fun with it. 

For a festive “green” tea of our own, we like to blend Golden Hour Tonic with Pipermint Blues. The result is bright, refreshing, and just the right shade for the occasion. 

It is a simple way to bring tea into the celebration, whether you are serving it alongside dinner or sipping it quietly at the end of the evening. Sometimes these little additions become part of the tradition before you even realize it. 

A Tradition That Keeps Us Smiling 

St. Patrick’s Day may look a little different for every family, but for us, it has become one of those days we count on. It gives us a chance to gather, laugh, and remember the threads that tie our family together. 

From old recipes to new traditions, each year adds another layer to the story. And if there happens to be a little step-dancing along the way, all the better. 

Looking for Your Own St. Patrick’s Day Tradition? 

If you are not sure where to begin, it does not have to be complicated. 

Start small and make it your own: 

Traditions are not built all at once. You never know which small ideas might become something your family looks forward to for years to come. And if it includes good food, a little laughter, and a warm cup of tea, you are already off to a wonderful start!