Generations of Green: St. Patrick's Day Through the Ages
The timeless ways we celebrate this festive day by blending cherished rituals with the influences of our generation
Mar 09, 2025
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Growing up in an Irish family in a proudly Irish neighborhood, I never saw St. Patrick’s Day as just a holiday — it was an event. Like Christmas, the anticipation started weeks in advance, from picking out the perfect green outfit to mapping out the celebrations.
On the big day, we’d hop on the subway, joining a sea of green-clad revelers — we were all making our way to the grand parade in Manhattan. The sound of bagpipes, the jigs of Irish dancers, the wonderful floats, and the overwhelming sense of camaraderie made it feel like we were all united in celebration.
Over the years, I’ve watched St. Patrick’s Day transform from a celebration of everyone Irish into a global phenomenon that’s embraced far beyond the Irish community. On March 17, everyone gets to be Irish, if only for a day. And that’s a wonderful thing.
The spirit of the holiday — joy and a shared appreciation for tradition — continues to bring people together as it has for generations, making the world just a little greener, and a whole lot more festive.
Who celebrates today? Everyone!
A recent survey by Northwestern University found that more than 60% of Americans plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. That puts it right up there with Halloween and Valentine’s Day, proving that this holiday isn’t just for the Irish anymore.
The numbers tell a fun story: Nearly 80% of folks will be wearing green (smart move to avoid those pinches!) and close to 30% will enjoy a special meal or head out to a bar or restaurant to mark the occasion. A quarter of people are even decking out their homes and offices with festive decorations.
It’s abundantly clear that St. Patrick’s Day has something for everyone, no matter their age or background.
For kids, it’s all about the pinching game and sharing shamrock-shaped cookies at school. Young adults take full advantage of the parades, parties, and pub gatherings. And for those of us who’ve been celebrating for a while now, it’s a chance to pick and choose our favorite traditions — whether that’s reconnecting with friends, cooking up a feast, or simply taking in the joy of the day.
For me, festivities start the same way every year, with a group text to my oldest and dearest friends, sent just as the sun is coming up: “Top o’ the mornin’ to ye!” It’s a short message, but that simple ritual always makes me smile and reminds me why this holiday means so much. It’s about connection, shared traditions, and celebrating together.
At home, my wife, Marylou, makes the day extra special by baking her famous Irish soda bread. She came up with her twist on the recipe years ago when she forgot one of the ingredients. That bread is always part of our meal, right alongside her delicious corned beef and cabbage, a tradition we’ve carried on for years.
A holiday shaped by each generation
One of the great things about getting older is perspective because you get to see how traditions evolve. And St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect example. Each generation has put its own stamp on the festivities, shaping it into what we celebrate today.
For the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964) and older generations, St. Patrick’s Day was about faith, family, and heritage. It started with church services, home-cooked Irish meals, and storytelling. The big parades, like the legendary one in New York City, became a way for Irish Americans to show their pride. That tradition continues today, and my family has been lucky to experience it firsthand.
For Gen Xers, who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s, St. Patrick’s Day had become a full-blown public celebration. Irish pubs flourished while the green beer flowed. Then came Millennials, who turned St. Patrick’s Day into an event-driven holiday. It wasn’t just about themed bar crawls and parades — it was about themed 10K runs, destination trips to Ireland, and epic DIY celebrations.
Today, Gen Z is redefining the holiday once again. They celebrate online as much as in person, with TikTok challenges and Instagram-worthy outfits. They’re also more mindful, leaning into sustainability — think eco-friendly party supplies and reducing event waste. And since many in this generation drink less than previous ones, alcohol-free celebrations are on the rise, with mocktail culture and wellness-focused gatherings taking center stage.
Looking ahead, St. Patrick's Day will likely continue to evolve, balancing the preservation of cultural traditions like parades with modern adaptations like green mocktails. Technology, virtual events, and digital storytelling will also play pivotal roles in keeping the holiday relevant and engaging for future generations.
As we celebrate this year, let's embrace traditions old and new. Whether through heritage, social gatherings, or personal rituals, let's honor the holiday in ways that feel meaningful to each of us.
All the best,
Jim
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AUTHOR
Jim McCann is the founder, CEO, and chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. as well as a business leader, author, and philanthropist with a passion for helping people deliver smiles. Devoted to helping others, he also founded Smile Farms, a 501(c)3 organization that provides meaningful jobs in agricultural settings to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities.
