It’s still a few weeks before St. Patrick’s day, but as the holiday approaches and those green decorations make an appearance in countless stores across America, people begin to acknowledge their “Irish heritage.” As my father says, “St. Patrick’s day is the one day a year where everyone is Irish.” This is true, but how many of these people have a significant amount of Irish blood in them? More often than not, they’re not actually Irish at all. Regardless, St. Patrick’s day is more of an American holiday anyway, so none of that really matters in retrospect. But for those whose lineage goes beyond throwing back shots of whiskey and pints of Guinness just once a year, I’ve put together a list of things that I’ve found true as an individual of predominantly Irish descent. Here are some things you may have experienced if you grew up in an Irish-American household.

1. You had plaques of Irish blessings on the walls growing up.

Growing up in an Irish-American household meant that you most likely had a few traditional blessings or prayers lying around. “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back…” or some rendition of that is probably one of the many sayings you’re all too familiar with by now.

2. Someone in your family lit candles for loved ones.

If you come from a predominantly Irish family, odds are at least one of your relatives was or is Catholic. Personally, my Grandmother on my Father’s side was a practicing Catholic and she often went to church to light a candle for my great grandfather.

3. You did some form of Irish dance as a kid.

Being Irish means that your parents probably tried to get you into Irish step dance one time or another. More than likely, you at least tried to get into wearing gillies or tap shoes as another way of getting in touch with your roots.

4. Your family watched movies like "Darby O’Gill" religiously.

I must have seen "Darby O’Gill and the Little People" at least one hundred times growing up and I think we eventually broke the VHS tape. My sister and I even had all the lyrics to "She My Dear My Darling One" (or whatever the name of the song is) completely memorized by the time I was six. In fact, I’ve just realized I can still sing the song. If your family was anything like mine in this, you most likely feel my pain.

5. You heard a lot of Celtic music growing up.

Being a fan of bands such as The Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly isn’t exactly what I mean when I say this, I’m talking about traditional Celtic music which was played year round in my house, especially during Christmas. Not to mention the obsession with vocal groups like Celtic Women and Celtic Thunder, Lord knows how many times I sang "Danny Boy." Celtic Thunder

6. Your family watched shows like "Lord of the Dance" and loved Michael Flatley.

Michael Flatley was a common name in my house before I could dance. My mother especially would go on and on about the Irish American choreographer was a genius when it came to his ability to combine traditional and modern styles of Irish dance. Come to think of it, this was perhaps one of the many reasons why I became involved in tap and Irish step later on...

7. Irish Coffee is the only coffee.

Though I’m not a fan of the stuff myself, this was a common drink among family members once the weather began to get cold. My dad and uncle were notorious for bringing out the Irish coffee during Christmas time.

8. There’s always that one family member who gets hopelessly drunk at gatherings.

Family gatherings meant alcohol and alcohol meant that somebody was bound to reach their limit. In fact, the same person was always intoxicated every time the family got together. Irish or not, we all have that one relative...

9. Holiday arguments are inevitable.

This probably goes with the previous one. Let’s just say that alcohol and an Irish temper don’t mix, but they seemingly always go together. One moment you’re in good spirits from the spirits you’re drinking and the next thing you know, words and fists are flying. Thankfully, in my family, it was more of the words than fists, although that did happen once or twice.

10. The Banshee or Cóiste Bodhar Scared you as a child.

The Banshee and Cóiste Bodhar (Death Coach) are both common tales in Irish folklore that have to do with being taken away by a spirit or death itself. If you’re familiar with these stories, you’re either Irish or your parents just liked to scare you. My first experience with these tales was actually when I watched "Darby O’Gill."I had nightmares for weeks.

11. Celtic Knots, Celtic Crosses, and Claddaghs... everywhere.

If you’re Irish, you’re probably very familiar with Claddagh rings, Celtic knots, and crosses. These designs combine both pagan and Christian beliefs in regard to eternity and being “one with nature.” Celtic trees also reflect this. Not to mention Claddagh rings, which symbolize friendship, love, and family. Odds are, you’ve probably had a piece of jewelry or two which had to do with at least one of these designs.