Fashion

5 Ways to Have a Blast this St. Patty’s Day Without Drinking

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St. Patrick’s Day is the time to throw on a ridiculously tacky green shirt, tie, or headgear, drink, show your Irish pride, drink some more, watch a parade, find a good pub and drink again. But, what if you can’t drink?

Maybe you’re underage and can’t get into the bars to enjoy all of the fun. Maybe you decided to celebrate with your family, and chugging alcoholic beverages isn’t ideal. Maybe you’re everyone’s designated driver, or maybe drinking just isn’t your thing. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to feel out of place when you’re surrounded by waves of people anticipating the rush of green beer.

While the drinking is a huge aspect of the holiday, it may not be everyone’s forte. No need to feel left out, there are plenty of things that you can enjoy if pub crawling and bar hopping isn’t in the cards for you this St. Patty’s.

 

Check out these 5 fun ways to Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day without ever taking a sip!

 

  1. Bring a Sober Buddy

Just because you’re going to be sober doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have a good time. It’s a holiday, which means more likely than not, restaurants will be providing discounts and themed fun all day and night. Don’t miss out just because you won’t be ordering from the cocktail menu. If you’re going with a crew that may be drinking, bring another friend along who doesn’t want to drink. You two can always people watch and make a game out of it! See how many times the drunk sorority girl says, “I love you guys!” Or make bets on how many drinks it’ll take “that guy” to take off his shirt during the night. (Don’t be that guy.) Drunk people are hilarious, so sit back and enjoy the show.

 

  1. Indulge in a Shamrock Shake

You’re not chugging green beer, but that doesn’t mean your drink of choice can’t be festive. Treat yourself to a Shamrock shake! It only comes around this time of year and will be gone shortly after the holiday. Enjoy the popular minty fresh treat from your local McDonald’s, or make it yourself with a few key ingredients. Have as many as you want, no one is judging you! While you’re at it, throw in some green frosting cupcakes, green doughnuts and green icing sugar cookies. If you can’t get drunk, at least you can get a sugar high!

 

  1. Go Green and Get Creative

Just because you’re not drinking, doesn’t mean you can’t look the part. Don’t go with the “Kiss Me I’m Irish” shirt that’s been shoved in the back of your closet all year. This St. Patty’s, go crazy and have fun with your wardrobe! There is no shortage of funky green ties, scarves, socks, headband antennas and tutu skirts at the stores right now. And if you don’t like the selection, get crafty and make something yourself! If you’re feeling especially adventurous, pick up some temporary tattoos in the shape of shamrocks, a bottle of wash-out green hair dye and have a blast! You’ll get compliments all night, and since you’re not drinking, you won’t ruin your festive ensemble with spilled beer (or something worse.)

 

  1. It’s the Weekend, Take a Quick Trip

Escape the party goers and pub crawlers this year and have a much-needed weekend getaway instead! St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year which is perfect for a mini vacation. Go to the spa, go camping, or if the beach is a few hours away, head there and soak up some sun! Come back once the party is over feeling peaceful and relaxed. You’ll be ready to take on the work week while everyone else is still nursing their hangovers.




  1. Embrace the Irish Culture

While green beer is a fun and festive staple of the holiday, it’s not actually an Irish tradition. It was an American-born idea that has blossomed over the years. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, maybe try to immerse yourself a bit more in the Irish culture. Get out and find an Irish dance class near you to learn some fancy footwork and reels. Even if you dance with two left feet, learning the steps can be fun. And, bring a friend to the beginners’ course with you. If nothing else, you’ll have someone who looks just as silly as you. If you’re too embarrassed to dance yourself, you can also check out local festivals and parades, and watch the professional Irish steppers do all the work. Or if you want a quiet night in, try watching a film based in Ireland (there’s more than you think) or listening to an Irish music station. Most importantly, have fun.

 

 

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