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!
