subject: Top 3 Tips for Celebrating St. Andrew's Day [print this page] Top 3 Tips for Celebrating StTop 3 Tips for Celebrating St. Andrew's Day
Lots of countries celebrate a special day. In America the 4th of July is a very important festival. In Canada they celebrate their nation's birthday on July 1st. St. Patrick's Day is one of the most popular celebrations on March 17th. Festivities can range from backyard barbecues, cookouts, to fireworks and dancing. You may not know this, but Scotland has a day of national celebration too.November 30th is a special day for Scottish people. Although St. Andrew happens to be the patron saint of many other countries, St. Andrew's Day is a national bank holiday in Scotland. Scottish residents and ex-patriots throughout the world celebrate this day with family dinners, drinking and all things Scottish. If you have ever wanted to celebrate St. Andrew's Day, here are the three top tips to make your get together successful:1. Eat and Prepare the Proper Food When celebrating St. Andrew's Day - people often eat fish, as St. Andrew was a fisherman. It is a well known tradition to catch rabbits and hares, used later in a large feast, but since this is not always possible, traditional fine Scottish food is served. This may include singed Sheep's head, Scottish herring in oatmeal, beef in whiskey sauce, scotch eggs, "finnan haddie, stovies" and haggis.2. Have Traditional Scottish Music Available - Traditional Scottish feasting should also have the right kind of music accompanying it. In the case of St. Andrew's Day it is wise to have the melodies found in the Scottish Ceilidh Collection, Fiddler's Series or The Fiddle Music of the Scottish Highlands. When all else fails you might just want to recite some Robbie Burns poetry. I personally like the Irish Rovers, but realize the irony in playing their music. The music can really set the mood for a long night of feasting.3. Have plenty of beverages on hand during any traditional Scottish feast, celebration or party. It goes without saying that having plenty of the correct beverages to share is a must. While some will choose a single malt Scotch, you may also want to select a Rob Roy, Mary Queen of Scots or Rye Whiskey.However, it is not uncommon to enjoy a bold glass of wine that has been properly decanted or poured with a wine aerator. This provides the perfect glass of wine with a proper bouquet and aroma. Wine is being enjoyed more than ever on St. Andrew's day, as Scotland has had a major increase in vineyards over the past two decades. With the climate being similar to British Columbia, the land is proving to produce amazing red wine and white wine.Celebrating your country of origin's national holiday should be full of family, friends and laughs. St. Andrew's Day is no different and your expectation should be to have the greatest time possible. Traditional food, drink, song and dance can help bring people together while remembering times of yesteryear. Make sure you take advantage this November 30th and raise a glass of scotch, whiskey or aerated red wine in a toast to Scotland's patron saint.
