St. Patrick’s Day – The Hall Pass for Adults

When  I was in college, I ran with a much different crowd. Suffice to say, most people who knew me back then are stunned when I tell them I work at a church.

“You’re a …. pastor?” They say.

“Yes. Yes I am.”

It’s usually an awkward exchange.

Looking back on those years, I see a person who was looking for something in the “party” lifestyle:

Excitement.
Purpose.
Community.
Escape.

Of course, the allure of “the bar scene” is that it provides these things–at least momentarily. Which is why today–St. Patrick’s day–is such an interesting holiday. St. Patty’s day seems to be a one-day hall pass for mature, grown adults to act like they did in college. Aside from religious conviction, as I’ve gotten older the allure of getting drunk has all but faded into the sunset.

The amateur social scientist in me wanted to find out how many of you planned on drinking on St. Patty’s day, the amount of drinks you planned to consume and your rationale behind it. I sent a survey out asking these questions and the responses I received were fascinating to read.

Partly because many of your reasons resonated with me. Partly because a lot of you have really thought through your philosophy on “getting drunk.”

A few of my favorites:

Work puts a damper on any plans of drinking. However, if I wasn’t working I still wouldn’t drink. It seems every time I drink it takes longer and longer to recoup and I don’t want to feel under the weather for multiple days. –25 years old.

No particular reason. The Mrs. and I are not heavy drinkers and are trying to have a baby, so alcohol would be detrimental to that process. –28 years old.

I haven’t drank for five years – I don’t see a reason to drink for St. Patrick’s Day –28 years old.

I don’t enjoy getting plastered anymore. The only thing that gets me is a night of enjoyment and the total loss of the entire next day due to headache and fatigue. Besides, getting drunk is just not as fun as it was in college. Bars are full of drunk 20 somethings hitting on each other (which is about as much fun to watch as reality TV) and acting like idiots and the music is always so loud you can’t hear your friends when they’re 2 feet away. –30 years old.

I so use to be the “Kiss Me I’m Irish!”, green t-shirt wearing drunk chick. Drinks were like Lays potato chips, can’t just have one. It was one big party filled with bad choices. I don’t go out anymore. To feel like yuck the next day…wondering what I did the night before. No thanks. Staying home. –36 years old.

Don’t really like to drink! Got it all out during college. I’m good now, did enough then to last a lifetime. Learned some good lessons too! –30 years old.

Though the grass seems a little greener as many of my friends are going out for some debachery, I have NO INTEREST! Could be that I have a 6-month at home. But the truth? I’m using him as an excuse I’m not into the “holiday” and feel it’s just another great day to be productive. Though I do like the excuse to dress down and wear a sassy green Jayhawks shirt! Since about 26-27 years of age, I’ve left this lifestyle behind. Some days I miss the idea of it, but never truly the authenticity of it all. –3o years old.

I’ll be at church! That and I don’t really take much pleasure in drinking heavily to begin with. When I do drink it is a 1-2 drinks. Call me an abnormal 27yr old male, I’m cool with that. –27 years old.

Do any of these resonate with you? Further, why does our culture celebrate the behavior that typically happens on St. Patrick’s day? Call in “sick” to work. Drink early. Drink to excess. Drink some more. Pass out. Repeat next year.

I’m all for having fun. Even on St. Patrick’s day. But I think there’s a time in one’s life where they have to make a decision to grow up. Here’s hoping some of us grow up today.