How to Add a Little Leprechaun to Your St. Patrick’s Day

On Saturday, March 17, 2012 we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and as the saying goes, “On March 17th, everyone’s Irish.” Genuinely Irish or not, we’re goingto give you some fun ways you can bring a little bit of leprechaun into your home and surprise your kids on St. Patty’s day.

Before I set you upon the mischievous path of bringing a little leprechaun into your home, I give you, The Legend of the Leprechaun: “…the leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden somewhere and he must give up his treasure to the one who catches him. You'll have to step lively and think quickly to capture a leprechaun's gold though, because this sly little fellow will fool you into looking away an instant while he escapes into the forest,” (Irish Blessings).

Keep that in mind as we move forward to our suggestions for “greenifying” your home on St. Patrick’s Day. My go-to St. Patrick’s Day expert, Pattie McCleary-Amestoy, has one rule when prepping for the big day: if something could possibly be turned green, it is your duty as a parent to make it so.

Bring on the leprechauns:

If you’re going to commit to going green on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll want to stock up on green food coloring because…

Going green at breakfast – You can add green food coloring to their eggs, milk, and if you dare, in the butter. Pattie notes that the butter might not be so pretty once spread on toast, but if you’re going to go all out…You could also add green food coloring to your pancake batter.
A pot of gold – Stock up on gold coins along with green/shamrock confetti. Pattie suggests sneaking those coins and confetti under your child’s pillow, and anywhere else your imagination deems fit. Or you could hide and create your very own pot of gold to be awarded to the lucky little someone who finds it.
Tasty treats gone green – Like our breakfast ideas, there are many ways you can add green to dessert items. You can add green food coloring to your rice krispie treats (once the marshmallows are melted and before you add the krispies, add the coloring to your preference). Maybe you were thinking shamrock-shaped sugar cookies, you could add the food coloring to the dough, or simply decorate the cookies with green frosting.
“Mo-om the water’s green!” – The greatest of Pattie’s going green adventures comes in the form of turning the toilet water green. Years ago she discovered that if she put green food coloring in the tank of her toilet, the water would go green upon flushing.
Making leprechaun footprints – This is actually easier than you might think, and it’s something you could do to create the illusion of a mischievous leprechaun run amok, or a craft you can do with your kiddos.
- Simply make a fist and press the pinky side of your fist into green, washable paint. Find your target (floor, wall, paper, wherever you’re willing) and you’ve got your leprechaun footprint. Don’t forget to add the toes! You’ll want to use both your left and right hand so you have both sets of footprints.

Have fun getting creative in finding ways to bring a little leprechaun into your home this St. Patrick’s Day. What are your family’s favorite ways of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day?St. Patrick's Day 2012 SFM online

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