The Clarisonic Mistletoe Manifesto:
Make merry but be wary when exchanging kisses under the Mistletoe.
For centuries Mistletoe has been one the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants in European folklore. During the holidays, however, the legend of Mistletoe takes on a more romantic twist.
To kiss or not to kiss – that is the question.
The people who first introduced Sonicare (think cleaner teeth and fresher breath), and now Clarisonic (for softer, smoother, younger looking skin) recognize that their sonic innovations may cause a crowd under the Mistletoe. Never before have so many people looked so appealing during the holidays. So Clarisonic (www.clarisonic.com)
The office holiday party:
In general, kissing someone from work in public is ill-advised. Far too often, office holiday parties end in infamy for workers who let the egg nog take over. Try to keep your head on straight when you find yourself under the Mistletoe with a co-worker.
If you are a woman caught under the Mistletoe with your male coworker, take control and initiate the ever-so-safe “air kiss.” While shaking this person’s right hand, lean in close and gingerly touch his cheek with your Clarisonic smooth cheek while making a soft smacking sound. You’ve now fulfilled the Mistletoe mandate without starting any office rumors.
If you are a man running into a female coworker, consider giving her the “hand kiss” which is often an indication of respect. Gently raise her hand to your lips and lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. If her hand seems unusually smooth, she’s probably using Clarisonic on it. Don’t linger under the Mistletoe any longer than necessary in order to avoid any further awkwardness.
Sharing a moment with your lover, spouse or partner.
When you find yourself under the Mistletoe with your significant other, go ahead and pucker up. In this situation the “full lip lock kiss” is perfectly acceptable as it’s probably obvious to everyone in the room that you’ve shared a kiss with this person before. According to folklore, if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the Mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. While this kiss can be more passionate than others, don’t get too carried away. After all, you don’t want to be a Mistletoe hog.
Encountering a relative under the Mistletoe:
Bumping into a relative under the Mistletoe can cause holiday etiquette confusion! While you certainly don’t want to kiss your creepy cousin on the lips, the type of kiss you give can oftentimes reveal your feelings about that person. Your best bet is to give a gentle “cheek kiss,” which symbolizes goodwill without being too mushy.
Keep your hands on your relative’s shoulders – thus keeping the other person at a comfortable distance – and flash a small smile while quickly brushing your lips across their cheek. If you find yourself under the Mistletoe with a small child, opt for the motherly “forehead kiss.”
Just friends:
The standard “cheek kiss” is most appropriate when standing under the Mistletoe with a friend. However, if you’re feeling extra festive, consider the “corner to corner kiss.” This is where the corner of your lips just barely touches the corner of your friend’s lips. You may also choose to incorporate the light hug into the equation. But kissers beware, go too far and you’ll send mixed messages.
When you find yourself with a person who wants to be more than just friends, be prepared for the attempted ‘full lip lock kiss.’ In this situation politely turn your face and offer the other cheek. And if you’re using Clarisonic, the recipient will be treated to a new kind of smooth!
Meeting the neighbors:
Neighborhood parties often bring people together that would otherwise have nothing to do with one another. If you look up and notice that you and your neighbor are standing under the Mistletoe, make the best of the situation. You can never go wrong with the old-fashioned handshake.
Holiday Tip: Always carry your drink in your left hand so your right hand is free for handshaking.
If the neighbor is someone you’re particularly fond of, the simple “air kiss” is perfectly acceptable. In order to avoid any Mistletoe missteps, be sure you have a supply of breath mints in your pocket or handbag in the event that you encounter a neighbor you’d like to get to know better.
Mistletoe 101 - Meeting a stranger:
You could possibly encounter a stranger under the Mistletoe if you’re in a crowded room. If you’re uncomfortable kissing a stranger, first pretend like you don’t notice the Mistletoe and move away – ignorance is bliss. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys tradition, don your best blushing face, point out that you’re both standing under the Mistletoe and say something flattering, like “Well, I just can’t resist.” In this situation, the “air kiss” is a perfect choice.
If you want to give the impression that you are cultured and refined, go for the European “two-cheek air kiss.”
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About Clarisonic:
Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc., located in Bellevue, Washington, is the creator of CLARISONIC Skin Care. Used pre-treatment by top dermatologists and spas throughout the country, this patented sonic technology has proven to be instrumental in improving facial cleansing, the first and most important step in any beauty ritual. The Company was established by scientists, engineers and the lead innovator of the Sonicare® toothbrush, one of the best selling sonic-based consumer products of all time. Pacific Bioscience Laboratories' mission is to develop and market technically advanced and clinically proven products that make a clear difference in skin care. CLARISONIC is distributed through dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, medi-spas and prestige retailers such as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Beauty.com, Sephora, and Bliss. For more information, go to www.clarisonic.com .
About Jacqueline Whitmore: Jacqueline Whitmore is holiday etiquette expert and the author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work (St. Martin’s Press, 2005) and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Florida. She presents seminars in business etiquette to companies and organizations worldwide. Jacqueline has been featured in The New York Times, Glamour, USA Today and on iVillage Live.
View the full manifesto at www.clarisonic.com. Additionally see very telling body language photos that tell an awful lot as to what is happening under the mistletoe.
To schedule an interview with Jacqueline Whitmore, please contact Dawn Maniglia, Ericho Communications, 718.968.0515 or dmaniglia@erichopr.com.
