Why St. Patrick’s Day is My Favorite Holiday
I’ve always loved St. Patrick’s Day and when I tell people it’s my FAVORITE holiday, they always ask why. I mean, after all, you don’t swap gifts (though I’ve been known to get a few from people who know I adore the day), you don’t get the day off school or work, and I’m really not a fan of corned beef and cabbage (the honorary St. Patrick’s Day meal in my house growing up), so what’s the big deal?
The big deal to me is I am Irish and I always felt extra special when this day rolled around.
I wore my green with pride. When they said “Irish eyes are smiling” I knew they were talking about mine, and that meant I was up to something (I was never known as the trouble maker as a kid and I kind of liked the mischievous feeling that the saying implied).
I dreamed of the days when I could actually go see Ireland for myself, and I have, twice now. I’m certain I’ll go again. It’s green and it’s gorgeous and when it rains (which it does a lot), you see rainbows every direction you turn.
The music of Ireland speaks to my soul, from the old ballads to the fun Celtic tunes you hear today. They all tell a story, and you know how I love to hear stories.
My grandmother’s maiden name was Daly, and on one trip to Ireland I researched enough to find a string of literary experts with the surname Daly, so I feel I’m being true to my soul as I pour out words to the page (or web in these times).
I never got to meet my grandmother, but we had a photo of her on our wall growing up and she was beautiful. When relatives said I resembled her I felt beautiful, too.
Even my youngest is named Daly, after her. She’s the only Daly I know, and people assume it has a connection to the “daily news” because of my news background, but it doesn’t. It’s tied to my grandmother and those before her. It’s a sweet name for a sweet girl. And since she’s the only one I know who has it, I consider that extra-super-special.
And who knows, maybe she’ll turn out to be a writer, too.
Maybe you don’t have the same ties to the Irish pride. But we’re a happy people who love a party, so grab your green and join our clan, even if it’s just for a day.
Lauren
March 17, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
So sweet. I love the name Daly for your daughter. My mom was a Sullivan so I love St. Pats too. Enjoy your day.
Desiree
March 17, 2012 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks! I had a dog I named Sullivan once. I ooze Irish. 🙂