Boruma - Irish by heritage, family by name

In the ever growing tradition of American commercialism, St. Patrick’s Day joins the long list of holidays including Thanksgiving and Easter. Holidays that run for week, months, at a time; more often than not, preceding the official date of the holiday that comes before.

It only makes sense that we’re all warmed by the thought of Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie while browsing for Halloween costumes. As we endeavor to green the globe, the thought of wasting the remains Jack O’ (and I’m not referring to a Jack O’Brien) makes a man shudder. And I can barely hold my patience for December so I can start shopping for Easter gifts and decorations. Of course, the greatest beacon of capitalism, the time of year that makes Americans proud of what we do to holidays, is the end of summer. Yes, who doesn’t enjoy being greeted by the joys of Christmas as Walmart turns to Jingle Bells (though a suspicious lack of any classic “holiday” music with religious references) and sugar plums, appealing to our wallets, as leaves change from summer’s green to autumn’s orange and brown.

By the time Christmas rolls around, I want to put Bing Crosby back in storage.

Imagine my sense of pride (both American and Irish) as, strolling through the mall the other day, my eyes feast upon rows of green and orange plastic.

We’ve all been there. Gone a little overboard with the tacky apparel for our favorite holiday. (right?…. have I just admitted something better kept to myself?) Well, yes! I have been there, I spent a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, Georgia, adorned in a white and green top hat, beads that would make a New Orleans tourist jealous, and a shirt that read something about getting “Fit SHaced on STiver Reet.” Chicago still dyes the river green! We have an inalienable right to going overboard! (or have they been stifled by the environmental impact? wouldn’t that be a twist? Chicago goes green so the river can’t). Point is, that American pride in commercialism extends itself to every manner of taste. Admittedly, even our own custom products push the limit.

Well no more I say! If the retailers are ushering in St. Patrick’s Day, so can we; but, I refuse to bring you glittery headbands with shamrocks and orange leis. Start the day with an Irish breakfast while packing some snacks to celebrate. McCann’s Special comes with McCann’s Irish Oatmeal, Irish brown bread mix, Keynco Coffee, Chivers Strawberry Jam, and much more. Grab an Irish Bodhrán to join the music at the pub and don’t forget a subtle Guinness scarf as a way to show your pride (it is January after all and rather brisk). Better still? An olive, wool tweed, fitted Scally cap and a Merino wool Aran sweater will have you looking smart.

And just in case you can’t contain the excitement, this is the hat for you.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! er… Month… s

(is it St. or Saint?)

Welcome back, assuming you've joined us, find a group or start your own Irish blog.

It’s not too late for Christmas and you certainly have time for March 17th. Neither holiday is complete if you can’t pour a proper glass of black.

The officially licensed, Guinness Guinness Black & Tan Pouring Spoon starts the holiday right. Beautifully engraved with “Guinness” and the iconic Guinness Harp on its handle, the spoon comes with a chain to keep it handy. Perfect

Keep them warm with the perfect Guinness Shield Striped Signature Rugby Shirt – perfect for that down time before season or the party that ensues. This style is my favorite, striped black and olive coloring, featuring the Guinness shield, with the signature of Arthur Guinness and the year 1759, on the chest. Made from 100% heavyweight cotton with taped neck and shoulder seams for strength and authentic rubber rugby buttons.

And be prepared to get on and off the links with a gray Guinness Trademark Baseball Cap. Embroidered on the front of the cap is the Guinness trademark with a reference to Dublin. Adjustable strap on rear so one size fits all.