Early Frost Helps Holiday Kissing As Mistletoe Succeeds Rare Holly

Kissing under the mistletoe will get a boost this year as decoraters will have to use this more stimulating plant instead of holly.

Contrary to popular opinion it was a frost, not sabotage by the lipstick industry that destroyed the holly crop. A killing frost in the chief growing area of the country, Oregon and Washington, a short time before cutting time, blackened the berries and streaked the leaves.

A prominent evergreen wholesaler remarked of the condition, "Holly is the mainstay and backbone of Christmas. Without holly what have you go?" An attempt to import southern holly also has been foiled by disaster, as late spring frost stripped the plants of all its berries.

Meanwhile, stop Mt. Washington, lipstick sales have already begun to climb, despite frigid weather conditions expected for the Yule.

Local florists gave varied comments on the issue. The proprietor of the Brattle Square Florist Shop said that there was no shortage, pointing to the piles of Christmas greens around his shop. Others said that though now they had fairly large stocks there would be a definite shortage in the next few days. They also admitted that the prices would rise significantly.

Aside from the shortage that is plaguing the florists, business is flourishing around the square, With four more shopping days, stores are packed to capacity.

But the rush on lipstick is yet to come.