Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1352356
L ike most holidays, Saint Patrick's Day evolves as you get older. When you're a child, March 17 means wear your favorite green outfit to school and softly pinching your classmates who forgot to wear theirs. When you're in your 20s, the holiday gives you an excuse to drink green cocktails and all of the Guinness your little heart desires. As a parent, figuring out ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your kids becomes more of a priority. But even those who aren't parents may be looking for new St. Patrick's Day activities to try this year, instead of heading to the local pub with friends or family and grabbing a few rounds of their holiday-themed drinks. From cookie decorating contests, to drink- ing games, to colorful crafts, there are FOR A DAY FULL O'FUN T H E B E S T S T. PAT R I C K ' S DAY AC T V I T I E S countless ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year that don't involve leaving the comfort of your living room. And while March 17 is an incredibly fun holiday for most, it hasn't always been. According to The History Channel, St. Patrick's Day used to be a bit of a solemn occasion in Ire- land. The holiday was named after Patrick was enslaved by Irish pirates on the Em- erald Isle for years as a teenager. Though he eventually escaped, he returned later in life as a missionary and converted part of the population to Christianity. Centuries after his death, which some sources cite was March 17, 461, Patrick became the pa- tron saint of Ireland, and that day became a holy day of obligation for Irish Catholics.