Linked to the habit of kissing under the mistletoe, this plant was endowed with miraculous powers. During the Roman period, the mistletoe was a symbol of peace - it is said that when the enemies met under a mistletoe branch, they put their weapons aside and declared an armistice. Christmas Eve is a busy day for English families: packing presents, baking cakes, hanging socks or pillow cases in front of the fireplace, or preparing the traditional dried plum pudding.