How to be Socially Gracious on St. Patrick’s Day
March 13, 2016
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of St. Paddy’s Day? More often than not, it’s the color green. The two are synonymous! To avoid feeling a bit too green, either from over-indulgence in the customary libations or possibly from some other impropriety, here are some tips to keep your manners in check on this fun holiday.
On March 17th, wear some green to the office to show your St. Patrick’s Day support. If you don’t have a green shirt or blouse, try a tasteful accessory, such as a scarf or tie that includes some green. Whatever you wear, make sure it’s in accordance with your work’s dress code policy. Avoid wearing anything that could be considered silly or improper. These include “funny” hats or t-shirts that have inappropriate sayings on them (i.e. “Kiss me, I’m Irish”). Keep in mind that you are at work to conduct business, even on these holidays where a little fun can be sprinkled into the day.
What happens if someone doesn’t wear any green on St. Patrick’s Day? Well, it is a long-standing tradition to give that person a pinch. Even if you’re a stickler for tradition, the office is not the place to carry out this part of St. Paddy’s Day fun. To avoid an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing situation, simply refrain from pinching anyone at the office and jovially say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Where’s your green?” instead. (Seriously, you wouldn’t pinch your boss if he isn’t decked out in green, would you?)
Speaking of green, you know that favorite cabbage dish of yours that you thought would be fun to bring to work (because it’s… green)? Avoid reheating your leftovers in the office microwave. That distinct smell could be found disagreeable to most everyone it wafts to—making them, understandably… GREEN. 🙂
Perhaps you plan to celebrate the holiday after 5 o’clock by partaking in ‘adult’ beverages. If so, try to keep your consumption at a minimum. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year. Remember that you’ll need to wake up for work bright and early on Wednesday morning. Do yourself a favor and skip the hard stuff. Instead, stick to just one beer or glass of wine and remember to eat something. Of course, never drink and drive. The luck of the Irish does nothing to protect you from DUIs or hangovers.
Lastly, avoid approaching a visiting Irish native with a goofy, “Top o’the mornin’ to ya!” While it’s a nice way of saying “Best of the morning to you!” this phrase is very rarely used in Ireland. However, if you are on the receiving end of this “customary” greeting, the proper way to return it is to say, “And the rest of the day to yourself.”
Even if you aren’t Irish, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Besides, all that green reminds us that spring is only a few short days away! So let loose a little, but play it safe and enjoy.
I’ll leave you with these Irish toasts for St. Patrick’s Day:
“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.”
“May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.”
“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long.”
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