I didn't clear this with Pennington, but I'll take a chance.

Our Family Christmas Tradition has always been to Open up a Keg of Nails at Midnight on Christmas Eve and Count 'em.
On Christmas morning when people ask, "What did you do last night?" We just tell them, "We opened up a Keg of Nails and Counted them."
Merry Christmas - and Happy Holy Days

PENNINGTON SAYS, RIGHT ON!!
IF I MAY HUMBLY ADD ONE PRACTICE WE DO, THE NAILS WITH THE POINT UP IS COUNTED IN THE CEILING PILE, THE ONE'S WITH THE POINT DOWN IS COUNTED IN THE FLOOR PILE. OF COURSE, THE ONE'S POINTED SIDEWAYS ARE THROWN OUT BECAUSE THEY WON'T NAIL UP OR DOWN.
THIS IS NOT ONLY A TRADITION, BUT I THINK A PRETTY SMART OPERATION. NOT JUST ANYONE COULD SEPARATE AND COUNT LIKE WE DO. WE HAVE A NAIL COUNTING CLASS EVERY THIRD MONDAY. EVERYONE INVITED. MVB ES

Tell ol' Charlie I can certainly feel for him. I'm allergic to less than three dozen shrimp, myself!

HAR! HAR! HAR!