I live in the Northeast now and things like St. Patrick's Day & Columbus Day are now really important holidays. It is a cultural shift from living in Oklahoma, where "Cow Tipping" Day, and Virginia, where "Nicorette Day" were really big holidays. Now, in the Northeast, we celebrate holidays that actually have meaning. However, looking at how St. Patrick's Day should be celebrated now, it makes past celebrations look paltry in comparison. On Sunday, there will be a huge parade that will mosey down the streets of nearby Holyoke, MA. As one of the members of our House Church told me, "The parade is not that big a deal. It is basically a dog in the back of a hay truck. The real party happens on the side of the street, where everyone begins drinking beer at 8 AM & stays drunk all day. That's the Irish way."
Who knew? All these years, I have wasted my time with green cardboard leprechaun hats & shamrocks pinned to my nose. I mourn my ignorance.
Oh well, it's not that bad. At least I haven't celebrated like they do in Alabama by smoking crack and being interviewed by the local news.
Now that looks like fun. Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone!
