Kissing Under Mistletoe: The Guide

Confused with difficult mistletoe situations? Here's your official InterMistletoe etiquette guide

Kissing under the mistletoe is one of the many things that makes Christmas a magical time. According to custom any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss.

It stems back to the 18th century when a young lady standing under some at Christmas time could not refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. But if the girl remained unkissed, she could not expect to marry during the following year.

Another origin is related to the story of Baldur (The Norse God of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace) coming back to life because of his mother Frigga (The Norse Goddess of marriage, motherhood, fertility and love) who removed the mistletoe's poison with her tears. When Baldur came back to life he kissed everyone who passed underneath the mistletoe out of happiness and gratitude and thus started the custom. Hence why mistletoe is used at Christmas, a time of love and joy.

Also it is said that Mistletoe should be burned on the twelfth night; if the mistletoe was not burned everyone who had kissed under it would never marry.

Whether we believe the myth or not, mistletoe always makes for a great Christmas celebration. Even if the pagan importance of mistletoe has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe is still as much fun know as it probably was then.

No Chewing Gum Please

During the winter season, you never know when you will be caught under the mistletoe. And trust me, chewing-gum in your mouth can be a major turnoff for the one who's kissing you. It is better to avoid chewing gum during this season.

Cigarette and Tobacco is a Big No-No

If you're a smoker, Christmas is the perfect time to quit this bad habit.I am sure you don't want to spoil the perfect mistletoe smooch because ofsomething as smelly as cigarettes.

Fresh Breath is a Great Turn On

Bad breath is a major turn off for the person who is kissing you. Whenever you are going outside during the Christmas season, make sure that you brush your teeth well. Avoid eating anything that will make your mouth reek, like onions, garlic and other stinky things.

Smell Right

Just like bad breath, body odour is also a big no-no while kissing. Don't stepout of the house unless you've got "Lynx-ed up". I assure you that the person kissingyou will linger on for more time than was initially intended.

Kissing Someone You Don't Like Much

If, and when, someone you don't like catches you under the mistletoe, just be polite. Smile and offer him/her your cheek. If he/she still moves towards your lips, turn your face and offer the other cheek. Before he/she makes any other move, smile, say something nice and slowly move away.