Christmas Kisses at English Heritage

I love Christmas traditions - for me they really make the season complete, whether it be traditions we're all familiar with or little traditions that are special to my family. This year I'm extra excited as Simon and I will be spending our first ever Christmas just the two of us in our new home, I can't wait to start some traditions of our own.

This year English Heritage are celebrating the very well-known Christmas tradition of kissing under the mistletoe and need your help to complete a festive challenge.

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began in Nordic times when legend told the tale of Balder, son of the goddess Frigga, who was killed with an arrow made of mistletoe.  Distraught by her son's death, Frigga wept tears of white berries that brought Balder back to life.  Frigga was so happy she blessed the plant and promised a kiss to all who passed underneath it.  Since then mistletoe has been considered a plant that increases life and fertility and if a woman is caught standing underneath the mistletoe a man can steal a Christmas kiss.

This Christmas English Heritage in the North are inviting us all to pucker up as they attempt to capture 1000 Christmas kisses in their special kissing booths by 3 January.  All kissing pictures tagged #EH1000KISSES and shared on social media will enter a prize draw to win an English Heritage membership and a hamper.

You can find the kissing booths in the North East at Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens and Housesteads Roman Fort and in Yorkshire at Whitby Abbey and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens.

So grab your loved one and snuggle in for a smooching selfie this Christmas.

For more information on what's happening at English Heritage sites this Christmas visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/xmaskisses