Originally posted by cmcdanal
As for the Irish being offended by it turning into a big party...the Irish don't have a reputation for being drunks for nothing. I'm not saying we're all drunks, but we do, as a whole, like to party. We Irish DO sometimes get offended by the idea that "everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day" You're not Irish, get over it, but we'll let you help us celebrate anyway.
But in all seriousness, St. Patrick's day is a time for family and friends. Our family always gets together, usually the nearest weekend day, and we eat the traditional Irish foods. It's a lot like Thanksgiving, but better, in a way, because you're not trying to rush off to see the in-laws, because chances are they aren't celebrating.