5 Tips to Keep You in the Mistletoe-Know

Happy Wednesday! 

Do you hang mistletoe in your home during the holiday season? We all know about the tradition of kissing under this deciduous decoration but did you know there is some traditional etiquette?

Here are 5 tips to keep you in the mistletoe-know:

1. Buy real mistletoe - This should be common sense but just in case you need proof, scientists have determined that fake mistletoe is exactly 4.267 times tackier that fake Christmas trees.

2. Know the difference between mistletoe and holly - These stem (plant pun) from different cultural traditions and have separate representations. Easiest way to identify them is that Mistletoe has white berries and Holly has red berries.

3. Pucker up - If you are caught under a mistletoe it is custom to accept a kiss from the nearest person. Don't be a spoil-sport! A tight-lipped peck on the cheek or lips is appropriate. If you need a napkin afterward something went wrong.

4. Pluck a berry - This is optional (if its not your mistletoe then this is not recommended). Traditionally, the privilege of a young man kissing a girl under the mistletoe cost one berry from the branch. When the berries were all gone so was the opportunity.

5. Hang properly - Mistletoe hangs from the ceiling - the ceiling. That means it does not hang from your shirt, a hat or anywhere else on your person. Don't be that guy.

Hopefully you find these mistletoe tips useful and remember, you can always run if you see pursed lips coming your way but don't forget that you do have to see these people again at some point. Have fun and Merry Christmas!