The Leprechaun Visits: Our St. Patrick's Day Traditions

The Leprechaun Visits:
Since my oldest daughter was one, we've had an annual visit from the Leprechaun.  He's a funny guy.  He comes to our house, leaves Shamrock stickers all over, and even uses our potty and forgets to flush!  Did you know a Leprechaun pees green? (Thanks to some green food coloring!) The Leprechaun also leaves green treats, gold coins, and a present (or a couple of small gifts) wrapped in green.  It's great fun to have the Leprechaun visit.

St. Patrick's Day Decorations:
This is the first year I've decorated our house for St. Patrick's Day.  Being a part of blogland inspires me to decorate for all holidays.  Having two little kids, that seem to appreciate the decorations keeps me going too.  Well, I think most of the decorations are done.

My front door wreath.

A mantle sign.

Another mantle decoration.

The mantle tree branch.

Our welcome mat. 

Another mantle decoration.

St. Patrick's Day Photoboard

A Leprechaun pot by the front door.

St. Patrick's Day Clothing:

We definitely wear green on St. Patrick's Day.  Who wants to be pinched?

This is St. Patrick's Day 2009.  They are so itty bitty!

These are this year's tshirts.



I still have plans to make Shamrock clippies for the girls.  Stay tuned for those.

St. Patrick's Day Food:
We always have the traditional corned beef for St. Patrick's Day.  I go light on the potatoes (we're not huge fans) and heavy on the carrots (we love carrots). We also add cabbage.  Believe it or not, my girls usually eat it. Great drink options are green limeade, adding green food coloring to lemonade, sprite, or water. Dessert options can include mint chocolate chip ice cream, lime sherbert, pistachio pudding, cake made green with food coloring, rainbow cakes http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/catch-a-rainbow-cake-687429/ or cupcakes http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/taste-a-rainbow-cupcakes-842128/.  I think we'll try my mom's recipe for green jello this year.

Here it is.  It's delicious!

JELLO SURPRISE

2 small boxes lime jello

1 #2 can crushed pineapple drained (save juice)

Make jello with the pineapple.  Chill.  When firm:

Prepare 2 envelopes of Dream Whip as directed.  Add 8 ozs cream cheese and spread over thickened jello. 

Pineapple Sauce

pineapple juice, add water to make one cup liquid

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tablespoon flour

2 eggs beaten

Mix dry ingredients and then slowly add liquid and eggs.   Cook over low heat until thickened.  Cool.  Spread over cream cheese and sprinkle with pecan pieces. 

St. Patrick's Treats:
If you enjoy giving little gifts on St. Patrick's Day, here's an adorable, inexpensive idea. http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/02/little-gifts-for-st-patricks-day-free-downloads.html

If you have any great traditions you want to share with us, please do!  We're always open to new ideas.