The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Illustration: Holly Walsh

Illustration: Holly Walsh

Christmas | Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

Lottie Storey December 27, 2022

This is still a matter for Christmas debate – up there with what is the best/worst Quality Street.

Some link it to the Norse tale of the goddess of love, Frigge: mistletoe’s berries are said to be the tears she cried for her son; others say it’s a symbol of fertility, thanks to its seasonal rigour.

Either way, kissing under it seems to have started in the 18th century in Britain, reached mass popularity in the 19th and has provided fodder for sitcom and soap storylines for as long as there has been Christmas TV.

This blog was first published in the December 2017 issue of The Simple Things.

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More from the December 2022 issue…

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Dec 26, 2022
Recipe | Leftovers Christmas Pie
Dec 26, 2022
Dec 26, 2022
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Dec 24, 2022
Recipe | Mince Pie and Pear Strudel
Dec 24, 2022
Dec 24, 2022
Glittery decs.jpg
Dec 20, 2022
Make | Retro Glitter Decorations
Dec 20, 2022
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More Winter wonders…

Featured
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Dec 14, 2024
Wellbeing | A Breath of Fresh Air
Dec 14, 2024
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Dec 24, 2021
Christmas recipe: Mulled white wine
Dec 24, 2021
Dec 24, 2021
sun bread.jpg
Dec 21, 2021
Bake: sun bread for Yule
Dec 21, 2021
Dec 21, 2021
InChristmas, Miscellany Tagschristmas, issue 66, december, christmas miscellany, mistletoe
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  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Buy a copy of our latest anthology: A Year of Celebrations

Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

Listen to our podcast - Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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