Croquet is a very old game, widely known and played in France since the XI century under the name of 'jeu de mail'. Borrowed by the British around 1300, it was modified over the centuries: the Scots made golf out of it, the Irish turned it into croquet.
I’m not sure why, but a lot of our family events involve croquet. It started back when we were kids, playing before Saturday night dinner in my Nana and Papa’s backyard, then onto Easter and Mother’s Day tournaments at my folk’s house; and now, get togethers at my sister’s place in Carson City. Everyone is welcome and anyone who picks up a mallet had better be instantly ready for a very “tough room” in terms of hilarious trash talk. Croquet tournaments represent some of our happiest and funniest family moments and memories. Many years ago, when one of us would bring a new person home, if they lasted long enough, they’d eventually have to get into one of our croquet tournaments. It was a perfect hour-long litmus test on whether or not they’d go the distance as future spouses or friends.
Just recently, our Mother’s Day tournament took a hilarious and soggy turn when the sprinklers came on. Moments before, several players had to play around our pack of five big dogs. When we were kids, my dad more often than not, miss picking up a wire wicket and one of us would hook it during an ensuing foot race and face-plant in epic fashion. All part of the fun.
My sister has elevated our family sport by installing very cool and useful wire drink holders on her course and clever gifts for our champions. She’s kept all the best stuff just the same. Everyone plays. If you are old enough to wield a mallet, and still spry enough to drag a walker and mallet around on her lawn, your participation is required. My brother-in-law Tom got a custom mallet several years ago for Father’s Day, and we’re all pretty sure that it is specially weighted to give him an unfair advantage. My mom’s German Shepherd loves to walk away with player’s balls. It’s all part of the fun.
Bottom line is that Croquet is something we look forward to because it brings us together. We laugh, we tease, and we provide some pretty brutal commentary no matter who is playing. We are a ridiculously happy family when we are playing together.
I’m going to tell you the truth. Croquet is just a silly lawn game, but it achieves an important goal. It brings people together, makes you let down your guard and play like a kid again. Feels mighty good. Give it a whack!
Kris Stewart is a rancher from Paradise Valley, NV.