Rainbows, Green, and Little Moments That Matter

March is kind of a funny month. One day it feels like Spring is finally here, the next day it’s cold and gray again. Honestly, it feels a little like real life – unpredictable, sometimes messy, but also, really beautiful. There’s a certain charm in that unpredictability, a reminder that even when things feel unsettled, something wonderful can appear – often when you least expect it.

That’s probably why St. Patrick’s Day works so well in March. It’s colorful. It’s playful. And it reminds us – and our kids – that even when skies are gray, rainbows are still possible. Maybe it’s a literal rainbow after a rare March shower, or maybe it’s a little moment of laughter at the breakfast table, or a child proudly presenting a paper shamrock they made. Either way, there’s magic to be found if you look for it. If you have young kids, you probably already know leprechauns are a big deal. According to Irish folklore, they’re tiny tricksters who guard pots of gold hidden at the end of rainbows. Sneaky, clever, and fond of a good prank, leprechauns are the perfect excuse to let kids – and adults – believe in a little magic. Most of us aren’t expecting to actually catch one in the kitchen, but the idea sparks curiosity, imagination, and playful mischief.

One of my favorite, low-effort, high-fun St. Patrick’s Day activities is turning kids into “rainbow seekers.” If it happens to rain, great – head outside and start the very serious mission of spotting a rainbow before it disappears.

Track it across the sky. Point out the colors. Take pictures. If it doesn’t rain (hello, Southern California), you still get fresh air running around, and some of that pent-up energy out.

However, rainbows and leprechauns are not exclusive to the outside. You can create all sorts of colorful mischief of your own at home leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Cut out paper rainbows. Make rainbow snacks – think strawberries, oranges, bananas, kiwi, blueberries, or any colorful fruit you have on hand. Set up tiny “leprechaun footprints” with flour or glitter and act completely shocked when they appear overnight. Oh, and don’t forget to set a tiny leprechaun trap – then wake up on the morning of March 17 to find he ‘escaped,’ leaving behind a little surprise treat (probably a piece of chocolate).

Why all the shenanigans? Well, because the best moments and memories are made when we are together with those we love and are acting a little silly. Celebrating and sharing holidays – like bringing out your “green,” is more about who you are with than the actual activity. As most of us can attest, most days aren’t giant pot-of-gold moments. They’re small wins stacked together – a child hugging you without being asked, five quiet minutes with your coffee, a text from a friend checking in, laughing at something funny your kid says in the backseat, or finally getting the house quiet at night.

Ordinary, yes. But they feel like old because they remind us that we are not alone and that there are always things to enjoy in the world around us.

Interestingly, the Irish blessings recounted around this time of year are all about protection, hope, and light – not because life is easy, but because people have always needed reminders that storms pass. St. Patrick’s Day is a gentle way to share that idea with kids without making it heavy. Storms happen. Feelings happen. Hard days happen. And, good things still show up too. Teaching kids to look for the good doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges – it means noticing the rainbow after the rain – even if it’s just a tiny one.

So this March, lean into the fun stuff. Wear the green. Make the cookies. Let the kids set leprechaun traps. Look for clovers. Look for rainbows. Tell the stories. And, if your own sky feels a little gray right now, that’s okay, too.

Sometimes the rainbow you need is simply five minutes of quiet, a laugh shared, or a warm hug. Celebrate those moments. God bless!

By Cheryl Thode