For this year at least, mistletoe is safe as a mild wet winter has ensured a profusion of plants.
But the future is in doubt. England's apple orchards, mistletoe's favoured habitat, have declined by 57 per cent in the past 50 years.
Jonathan Briggs, an ecologist, said the way the plant is cut for sale is also a threat.
Harvesters cut only the female plant, which has berries, leaving the male plant that will continue to grow and ultimately poison the tree.
"The Christmas market was previously a way for farmers to make a bit of money from something they did anyway,'' he said. "These days, only the stuff with berries is cut and everything else is left.''
Without action now, Mr Briggs said mistletoe may not survive.
"There's no crisis yet,'' he said. "But there might be one in 25 years if people don't manage mistletoe properly. It's a lost knowledge we need to regain.''
The evergreen with white berries is hung in doorways over the festive season. As a symbol of peace – and fertility – it is the custom to kiss beneath the decoration.
According to tradition, when the last mistletoe berry is gone there should be no more kissing.
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I came home from work one day and found her in front of the computer. I said "Hello," and she barely grunted back. I don't even think she looked up.
Half-jokingly I responded, "Okay, we're gonna try this again." I walked out the front door and came back in a few moments later...
"STEVIE'S HOME, STEVIE'S HOME!!! YAY!!!" was the new over-the-top cheer I was greeted with. It was accompanied by a hug and kisses. And I loved it.
What began as a joke quickly became an ongoing practice that continues to this day in our house: The person who is home first must make a small fuss when the other person gets there.
Does it sound silly? Yes. Do I promise that it will set the tone for a nicer evening just about every time you do it? Yes.
The world is full of douchebags, guys. Take 3 seconds out of your precious day to make a fuss over each other. Do it like you mean it. Do it as a goof. Just do it a lot. I promise you'll be glad you did.
| Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss" |
 You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive |
| Your Kiss is Red |
 You are intense about kissing but easily distracted. You kiss for attention, power, and passion. It doesn't take a lot for you to want to kiss someone. If you see a kissing opportunity, you always go for it! Kissing Type: Kissaholic (admit it!) People See Your Kisses as: Seductive You Kiss Best With: An Orange Kisser Stay away from: A Blue Kisser |
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 You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart. In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is comforting. You crave a relationship where you always feel warmth and love. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage pessimistically. You don't think happy marriages exist anymore. In this moment, you think of love as something you can get or discard anytime. You're feeling self centered. |
| Your Love Song Is |
 Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson "Maybe you've been through this before But it's my first time so please ignore The next few lines cause they're directed at you I can't always be waiting, waiting on you I can't always be playing, playing your fool" You've been waiting for love, and you're not going to wait any longer! |
| You Are A Romantic Realist |
 You tend to be grounded when it comes to romance. Sure, you can fall hard... but only for someone you've gotten to know. And once you're in love, you can be a total romantic goofball... But you'd never admit it to your friends! |
