Meet Me Under the Mistletoe: The Mistletoe Tree in Bellaire

Did you know that one of the best spots for a holiday kiss is right across the street from Bellaire Methodist Church?

During the spring of 2021, Elisa Garber noticed a cluster of leaves hanging from a tree in the family’s side yard. The Garbers had lived in the house for more than a decade but hadn’t had anything growing there until then. Elisa shared, “I didn’t know what it was, but it continued to grow. Then in November, I noticed people taking pictures of it. I went outside to see if anyone could tell me [why] and was surprised to find out it was mistletoe.”

So, last December, Elisa decorated the “Mistletoe Tree” and put up a sign that reads: “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe.” 

“Couples started stopping by and taking pictures. Every night at least one couple comes to kiss under the mistletoe,” she said. Elisa said she has noticed other mistletoe in trees around the neighborhood but they’ve all been higher up. “This one is the perfect height for meeting under the mistletoe for a Christmas tradition.” 

Mistletoe are groups of plants (technically, mistletoe are any of the many species of parasitic plants of the families Loranthaceae, Misodendraceae, and Santalaceae) which attach themselves to trees. Some species are used as Christmas decorations and are associated with a holiday tradition of sneaking a kiss, a custom that dates back to pagan times, when it was seen as a symbol of fertility and vitality. By the 18th century, it had become incorporated into Christmas traditions around the world. 

Josie and Taylor Brown kiss under the mistletoe accompanied by furry family member, Mabel. 

Elisa, her husband Scott, and their three children enjoy having the tree in their yard. “We look forward to having visitors again this year and hope it continues to bring joy to our neighborhood during the holidays.”

Taylor and Josie Brown live further down Newcastle Street. They don’t know the Garbers but they found out about the mistletoe. “We were happy they put the Mistletoe sign up again this year as we didn’t get a chance to stop by to take a photo last year. We love discovering there is mistletoe in the middle of Bellaire.” 

Buzz writer Karen Vine Fuller admires the Mistletoe Tree with pup S'more.

If you would like to sneak a kiss with your sweetheart under the mistletoe this December, throw on your favorite Christmas sweater and get ready to pucker up (or at least smile for the photo!). The Mistletoe Tree is located on Newcastle across the street from Bellaire Methodist’s back parking lot and north of Teas St. Merry Kiss-mas to all!