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9 Best Mistletoe Kissing Balls for Christmas

The custom of hanging mistletoe kissing balls during the holidays is the culmination and blending of several cultural traditions over thousands of years. The one thing it has always had in common is a sense of coming together during the winter holidays to share love and kinship. Let’s keep the tradition rolling, shall we?

For more traditional decor, check out Yule Log Decorations.

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Isn't It Poisonous? 

Yes, mistletoe berries are poisonous, though not as poisonous as was thought 20 years ago. Still, if you've got kids or pets (fur-kids) who could get their hands on your real mistletoe, it would still make them feel very ill and have some serious digestive upset. That's why all the mistletoe decorations I've chosen are artificial. Just to be safe. 

Still, if someone does happen to ingest mistletoe berries, be sure to contact your local Poison Control Center for help.

What Is the History of Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that only grows on the branches of other trees. It's partially parasitic and feeds on the water and nutrients of its host tree. The images of mistletoe you often see with red berries and spiky leaves are actually holly. Mistletoe has soft, round leaves and most commonly has sticky white berries, though some species have red berries as well.

It was considered sacred by ancient Celtic, Norse, and Roman cultures and was especially revered during the winter months when patches of mistletoe remained the only greenery on otherwise bare trees.

Mistletoe Meets Christianity.

As our ancestors converted to Christianity, they brought their folk holiday traditions with them, including mistletoe. It wasn't until the 18th century in England that the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe became tied to Christmas.

The tradition was that you could kiss anyone standing under mistletoe (it was bad luck for them to refuse) and then you would remove a berry from the mistletoe. Once all the berries were gone--no more kissing.

Use Mistletoe's Powers for Good.

Mistletoe is a fun way to request some affection from your significant other or ask for that extra hug from your relatives and friends around the holidays--but it's a beautiful tradition of coming together that hasn't always been used in the most respectful way.

It's important to understand that coercing anyone's affection for any reason is unacceptable. The holiday spirit does not give this a pass.

This season, if you see someone carrying around mistletoe or wearing it anywhere on their person to try to pressure people into holiday kisses--speak up and tell them that it's not okay. Sure, it's called a kissing ball, but mistletoe stands for loving unity--which is, by default, consensual.