Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on my own terms

Every year, as March 17 approaches, the world turns a vibrant shade of green. People gather in pubs, clink glasses in celebration, and revel in the joy of St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a holiday known for its infectious energy, lively music, and, of course, flowing drinks. But for me, the holiday takes on a different meaning. As someone living with Huntington’s disease, my approach to St. Patrick’s Day is less about the drinks and more about finding ways to embrace the spirit of the day while protecting my well-being.

Alcohol has never been a part of my St. Patrick’s Day celebrations — not by personal preference, but by necessity. The medications I take to manage my symptoms don’t mix well with alcohol, and drinking would put my health at risk. For some, skipping alcohol at a holiday centered on drinking might seem like missing out, but I’ve learned that celebrations are about more than just what’s in the glass.

Social situations can be complicated when everyone around me is drinking and I’m not. There’s often an unspoken expectation that participation means raising a glass of beer or whiskey, and declining can lead to questions.

At first, I felt pressure to explain myself, as if I needed to justify why I wasn’t drinking. Early on, I would simply say, “I can’t because of my medication,” and leave it at that. But I noticed how quickly people lost interest in the answer — most were just making conversation, not demanding an in-depth explanation. Over time, I stopped feeling the need to apologize for my choices. Now, I stand firm in them, confident that my ability to enjoy the holiday has nothing to do with alcohol.

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Embracing the culture

Finding joy in celebrations without drinking has led me to focus on other aspects of the holiday. I love the energy of a good St. Patrick’s Day gathering, the sound of laughter, celebratory parades, the excitement of people dressed in bright greens and silly hats. The atmosphere itself is something to celebrate. I immerse myself in the experience by enjoying the music, indulging in festive food, and appreciating the camaraderie of those around me.

Over time, I’ve learned how to handle these moments with grace. Sometimes a simple explanation suffices. If a stranger asks, I might briefly mention that I have a neurological condition and that I’m on medications. More often than not, people are understanding, and the conversation moves on. But I also remind myself that I don’t owe anyone an explanation. My presence at a celebration isn’t defined by how I look or whether I fit into preconceived ideas of what it means to participate.

Creating a comfortable environment for myself has become an important part of how I celebrate. Large, crowded spaces with excessive noise can be overwhelming, and I’ve learned to be mindful of what works best for me. Some years, I’ve chosen smaller, more intimate gatherings where I can truly enjoy the company of close friends without the stress of navigating a loud, overstimulating environment. Other times, I’ve attended bigger events but given myself permission to step away when needed, taking breaks to regain my energy.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by embracing the cultural elements of the holiday. Irish traditions go far beyond drinking. I may start the holiday by making a festive meal. These practices allow me to feel connected to the celebration in a meaningful way, without feeling like I’m missing out on anything.

As I continue to navigate social events with Huntington’s, I’ve realized that the key to enjoying celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day is to define them on my own terms. I’ve let go of the pressure to conform to expectations and instead focus on what truly brings me joy.

For those who, like me, don’t drink for health reasons, personal choice, or any other reason, know that your presence is just as valuable as anyone else’s. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. What matters most is that you feel comfortable, included, and able to enjoy the moment in a way that aligns with your needs.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I look forward to embracing it in my own way: by raising a glass of something nonalcoholic, laughing with friends, and celebrating life in a way that honors my journey. Because at the end of the day, the heart of any celebration isn’t in the drink — it’s in the people.

Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.