Loads of berries, again, on the mistletoe this year.
Which would, normally, mean lots of harvesting, sales and, of course, use of mistletoe.
But we have two problems this season, already mentioned in recent posts, both caused by the Covid pandemic. Firstly fewer mistletoe sales – the Tenbury Wells Auctions are cancelled. And secondly social distancing – how can you kiss under mistletoe when you can’t get closer than 2 metres and wearing a mask?
A flurry of media interest in both these problems this week – in the tabloids (Daily Star on Tuesday, The Sun today) and on the telly (Sky News yesterday). You might think it’s yet another doom’n’gloom story and it is for some – certainly those sellers and buyers who use the Tenbury Auctions. And it is tragic for Tenbury Wells itself – losing one of its main attractions this year. The many other mistletoe suppliers (direct wholesale sellers and online retail sellers) may be finding themselves rather busy as there will be more demand from them. Assuming people actually want mistletoe of course – there will be reduced demand from commercial venues at least.
But there is some humour to be had – at least concerning how to kiss, or not, under mistletoe during a pandemic. The Star billed it as Snog Off, Sky News as Kissless Christmas and my suggestion of mistletoe elbow-bumping instead does make people laugh (even though I’m quite serious about it…). The Star had that on the front page as Elbow Bump under the Mistletoe Anyone? And Sky News were just happy I’d cheered them up with elbow bumps, and mistletoe air-kissing through a mask at 2 metres, after a long session of depressing mainstream stories.
The Sun’s online story (I haven’t seen the print edition yet) today claims that they’ve asked Downing Street whether there will be a mistletoe ban! And reckons they got this answer:
The PM’s spokesperson said that the Government would not seek to ban the popular Christmas treat over fears that people won’t stick to social distancing.
So, that’s alright then. Phew!