25 Beauty Advent Calendars to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

1. I'm A Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.

The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

2. Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk

If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.

Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.

This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.

3. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.

But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.

4. St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

5. It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler

Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.

Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.

6. The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman

The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.

Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.

This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

7. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.

On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.

The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.

8. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.

DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!

This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.

1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)

One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.

The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.

This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.

2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey

In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.

3. Doing An Irish Jig

Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.

The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.

You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!

4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers

Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.

While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!

Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.

5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread

Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.

This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.

6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash

Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.

7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage

It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.

8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish

Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.

However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.

1. Paloma

Campbell "Pookie" Puckett and her husband, Jett Puckett, have taken the social media world by storm with their seemingly picture-perfect romance and lavish lifestyle.

In November 2024, the influencer couple welcomed their daughter, Paloma, into the world after creating a lot of anticipatory hype surrounding their name choice.

Paloma has Spanish and Italian roots and is derived from Latin. It means "dove," in addition to "pigeon" and "butterfly." Those familiar with Greek mythology may recognize doves as symbols of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

2. Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett

Jason Kelce, who spent 13 years playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, faced some backlash for the gender-neutral names they chose for their three daughters.

However, gender-neutral monikers are more popular than ever before. And now that the couple has a fourth daughter on the way, they reportedly plan to continue the name trend in their family.

3. Riot

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky made waves in 2023 when they named their second child Riot. The bold, unconventional pick fits right in with the couple's trend of sticking to "R" names, as Rihanna's full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and A$AP Rocky's is Rakim Athelaston Mayers.

Beyond its personal significance, the name Riot carries a strong, rebellious energy. It definitely reflects both artists' fearless approach when it comes to both music and fashion.

4. Winnie

When Jimmy Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, had their first daughter in 2013, they chose a somewhat unique name with a lot of personal meaning: Winnie. Welsh in origin, it means "gentle friend" or "friend of peace."

Specifically for the couple, though, it's a tribute to Lake Winnipesaukee, the picturesque New Hampshire lake where they got engaged. Plus, Jimmy added the name made even more sense since they viewed Winnie as a "win" in their life.

5. Grace Warrior

Everyone remembers Steve Irwin as the fearless "Crocodile Hunter" who tragically died in late 2006. More recently, his daughter, Bindi Irwin, welcomed a little girl of her own into the world in 2021 and named her Grace Warrior.

While Grace may be a more common name, meaning "favor" or "blessing," Warrior was a more unusual choice with a sentimental intent.

"Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior," Bindi shared on Instagram.

6. River Rose and Remington

Kelly Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, chose two distinctive names for their girl and boy: River Rose, born in 2014, and Remington Alexander, born in 2016.

With British roots and a whimsical feel, River is a gender-neutral pick that means "a flowing body of water." It was traditionally used more frequently for boys, but Kelly changed that trend.

Meanwhile, Remington is also British in origin and started as a surname, translating to "settlement by the boundary stream." Perhaps Kelly chose this sibling combination because both River and Remington begin with "R" and have connections to water.

7. Elsie Otter

When Zooey Deschanel and her then-husband Jacob Pechenik had their daughter in 2015, they chose a name that was both classic and quirky: Elsie Otter.

While Elsie is a timeless choice of Hebrew origin, which means "pledged to God," the addition of Otter gives it a more playful twist. During an appearance on TODAY, Zooey explained their reasoning behind it.

"We just really liked the name Elsie, and then we both love otters because they're so sweet and also smart," she detailed.

"They use tools, they keep their favorite tools, they hold hands while they sleep; there are so many amazing things about otters. They're wonderful animals."

8. Luai

Finally, in 2023, Lindsay Lohan and her husband, Bader Shammas, named their Dubai-born son Luai. It's Arabic in origin and means "protector" or "shield," but it remains a rare pick in the U.S.

Luay, a more common variation of this name, was only given to eight boys born in the U.S. in 2022.