Tips to Celebrate a Sober St. Patrick’s Day

Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day is the third most popular drinking day in America, behind Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve? When you’re in recovery, alcohol-centered holidays can pose a problem. But you don’t have to sacrifice your hard-earned sobriety to have a good time on March 17.

Get ready to enjoy a sober St. Patrick’s Day with these alcohol-free activities.

Host an Irish Movie Night

Get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by planning and hosting an Irish movie marathon. Choose fictional tales with Irish actors and settings, or even documentaries like “St. Patrick: Apostle of Ireland.” There are plenty of excellent Irish-themed films you may have never seen, like “Brooklyn,” “Ondine,” and “Sing Street.” You can even get the kids in on the fun with animated adventures like “The Secret of Kells.” With a movie night dedicated to the Emerald Isle, you can soak up some Irish culture from the comfort of your own home—no alcohol required.

Prepare an Irish Feast

What could be more fun than an Irish-themed dinner party? Enjoy hearty comfort foods like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish stew. Make sure you have plenty of potatoes and soda bread on hand for an authentic Irish feast. Top off the meal with festive desserts like shamrock cookies, bread pudding, and shamrock shakes. If your friends and family are game, invite them to cook the feast with you, or ask them to bring their favorite dishes for an Irish potluck. And instead of alcohol, serve green mocktails like the shamrock slush, or soft drinks with green food coloring.

Discover Irish Music and Dancing

Want to learn some new moves? Try Irish step dancing. These traditional dances are tons of fun and can help you burn off the calories consumed in your Irish feast. You can even challenge your friends to an Irish step dance contest. Eager to enjoy the distinctive, magical sounds of fiddle, violin, guitar, and flute? Play some traditional Irish music. If you and your crew are musically inclined—and you’re feeling particularly inspired—consider staging your own Celtic concert. Amid such revelry, you’ll be reminded that you don’t need to drink to have a good time.

Get Crafty

Looking for a way to engage all ages in St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans? Host an Irish craft night. You can make pom-pom rainbows, stained glass shamrocks, handprint leprechauns, and so much more. Purchase supplies online or at your local craft store. Decorate your house with the crafts, or send guests home with their Irish-themed creations. Crafting is a fun way to keep your hands and your mind occupied so you can steer clear of the temptation to drink. It’s also a good way to engage your creativity and make lasting family memories.

Enjoy a Virtual Celebration

If you’re not up for planning a party, let the party come to you. The Sober St. Patrick’s Day Foundation, which is dedicated to celebrating the richness of Irish culture and the legacy of St. Patrick, is an excellent resource for alcohol-free festivities. This year, for its 10th anniversary, the organization is hosting a free, virtual celebration featuring world-class, family-friendly entertainment. You can enjoy a virtual dinner and a show with like-minded, sober people all around the world. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday, expand your circle of sober contacts, and support a worthy cause.

Avoid the allure of drinking on St. Patrick’s Day. Use these tips to start new holiday traditions—with no alcohol in sight.

Want to learn more about replacing alcohol with fun, sober activities? Contact our trained admissions counselors at 888-984-5288 to discover how Beachside Rehab’s luxury treatment center can help you enjoy an addiction-free life.

 

Photo by Angèle Kamp on Unsplash