Youre at a Christmas party. As the day progresses everyones fun holiday gets rowdier and its only a matter of time before you find yourself standing in a hot spot.
Youre standing under the mistletoe!
12 Rules for Kissing Under the Mistletoe
#1 Scope It Out. One sure way of not getting caught under the mistletoe is to scope out a place when first arriving. Check all doorways and chandeliers.
#2 Be Brave. If you are caught standing under the mistletoe, it is customary to accept a kiss from the person nearest to you.
#3. Keep It Clean. A mistletoe kiss is a quick (and tight-lipped) peck on the cheek or lips unless you care to offer more and the feeling is absolutely mutual. A mistletoe kiss is not an opportunity to have someone taste your tongue. If a napkin is required afterward, youve gone too far.
4. Fine for Romance. You may hang the mistletoe yourself for your own romantic purposes, but be prepared to accept kisses from anyone who gets caught under it with you. It is bad etiquette to shout out, No, not you
HIM! and point for someone else to step forward.
5. Hang Properly. There is NO obligation to kiss under mistletoe hanging from any hand, hat, nose or belt buckle. The Mistletoe is not a portable kissing booth.
6. Dont Touch. Keep those hands wrapped firmly around a festive beverage. Unless invited, you are not to reach out and fondle or grope the other person OR the mistletoe.
7. Keep It In House. You are not required to kiss under a mistletoe hanging in any public place that includes the workplace! This is NOT an acceptable way to socialize and celebrate with customers or employees. A pretty boss or handsome co-worker should not have to spend the day wiping spit off their cheeks from others taking advantage of the opportunity.
8. Theres No Crying Under Mistletoe! Babies and kids, fine. Go ahead and place a gentle kiss on the forehead as long as they are not screaming with fear at being pushed into your face. Thats not a memory for which you want to be held responsible. Dont make children cry!
9. Adorable Animals Allowed. You are not required to kiss any animal, though you may often find it preferable.
10. Mistletoe Prints Disqualified. Shirts, pants, sweaters, pajamas, or any other clothing with a mistletoe print do not count as actual mistletoe. Nice try, though.
11. Old and Dull Mistletoe. If you have to dust your mistletoe before hanging, just skip it. Ive seen old styrofoam balls hung up with remnants of green holly sticking out here and there. Pitiful. You may as well hang up an old mop head and call it magic mildew.
12. Run Away? Yes, you may take strategic action to avoid mistletoe at any time. Realize, however, that you may have to see these people again and they wont soon forget how you ran away from them.
Stick to the rules and you may escape the holidays unscathed by any mistletoe misunderstandings.
