Today was the great annual migration of the clan to Nanna's and Grandad's house, known also, to some of us as "the Counting". Like wilderbeast, they roam across the east coast of Australia, converging in a merry mob at the oasis of the Granna's.
Now the Counting is an annual phenomenon, planned for many weeks, that begins with much table moving and ham scoring in the morning. Nanna gets progressively more agitated about the details as she anticipates her flock returning to the fold en masse.
There are several essential elements to the Counting.
1. The emersion of many small humans in a body of water until it is verging on dangerous and unhygienic but always enormous fun!
Here Lala is timing Nanna's present distribution efficiency. Nanna is a just and speedy Santa.
3. The much adored nuncles and naunts from far away give cuddles and catchups with the offspring.
4. There is kooky dancing usually to the likes of Dean Martin et al.
5. All functioning parents accompany the throng of younguns to the light show around the corner which is thankfully always there and bigger than the year before.
6. The variety is in the reactions of the wee-uns as they thrill to the multiple Santas and his accoutrement. Shorty is convinced she was at Santa's house tonight.
Don't pash the plastic, Shorty!
7. As various younger casualties self bed around the house, the surviving youth chortle away to yet another repeat of Mr Bean with a turkey on his head while the oldies eat left overs and natter on. Wasn't this a character on Dr Who last week?
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It never gets old... Mr Bean, Christmas or the Counting. Warts and all, we love it!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, YOU BUNCH OF RATBAGS!
I heart Shorty~!
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Me too, Kimmie! She's a treat.
DeleteYou're so lucky to have a "counting" Annie.
ReplyDeleteThat was hilarious! Thanks for inviting us via the blog!
ReplyDeleteThat was a more civilized counting as only 31 of the 40 were there. Poor mum only had seven of her babies with her for Christmas but she seemed to have fun!
DeletehEY aNNIE am on DSG's computer it's 4aM and the internet is working. I have just caught up on the last three posts and am feeling a wee bit homesick and missing you. Smiley woke me about something, the DSG & I had a few reds tonight, I have taken to sleeping on the other side of the bed, unfortunately in my sleep deprived state I turned and walked the wrong way into a wall and now have cut eyebrow. Anywhoo love the counting post and as Anna said thanks for the invite to the party, lucky kids to have such a large "Aiga" as they say in Samoa. Can't wait to catch up with you and hear about the new job, admire the bent of the festive tree and shrug off this year.
ReplyDeleteHoney I would have had a few reds too after that hurricane! Is it a hurricane or cyclon e in Samoa?
DeleteI'm for shrugging off this year Big Time!
When it comes from the south it is a cyclone as it spins anticlockwise and if it comes from the north it is a huricane and spins clockwise or is it anticlockwise. I will have to ask the DSG as I also cant find the question mark or hyphen on his computer. Mine won't do internet without electricity. The boys call it a hurricane as they are Americanised living here.
DeleteSo much fun! I have to say though that 'The Counting' sounds like a creepy Stephen King novel.
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It is from a funny creepy movie called called Cold Comfort farm with Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry and prime Rufus Sewell.. The matriarch calls surprise countings to check none of her clan has left her.mit is right up your alley.
ReplyDeleteI've seen that featured on Netflix. I'll have to watch it.
DeleteWhat, no rubber chicken tossing?
ReplyDeleteSurely that's an ancient family ritual.
I wish you, yours, and them, a very happy and family orientated Christmas.
Perhaps we should introduce the turkey toss next year!
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ReplyDeleteAll the best parties happen in pools! And I heart Shortie too!
ReplyDeleteIt has just occurred to me with horror that should each of my offspring have four of their own that would mean 28 at an equivalent Knitso gathering ... we wouldn't all fit in our typically tiny UK home!
Re. Cold Comfort Farm, if you haven't already you should read Stella Gibbons' original novel.
Looks like so much fun. You're creating great family memories.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Merry Christmas to you and your tribe Annie. I've just been having a lovely catch-up on your last few Posts that I've missed-you've been doing a very impressive clean-out! Sorry I've been a bit quiet, I'm a tad sleep deprived. Love the fact you are all together for your 'Counting' tradition - such fun! Wishing you the best Christmas ever! Mel x
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