The two December birth flowers are holly and narcissus, and honestly, they could not be more different from each other. Holly appears on every Christmas card and holiday wreath with those glossy green leaves and bright red berries.
Narcissus, specifically the paperwhite variety, takes a quieter approach with clusters of fragrant white blooms that fill a room with perfume. I design with both throughout the winter months here at my Los Angeles studio, and they each tell a different story depending on who's receiving them.
Why Does December Have Two Birth Flowers?
Birth flower traditions go back centuries when people assigned botanical guardians to each month based on what naturally bloomed during that time. December's pairing came from different corners of the world meeting in one tradition. The ancient Romans wove holly into their Saturnalia celebrations long before Christmas was even a thing, while narcissus bulbs traveled along Mediterranean trade routes into China over a thousand years ago.
Having two options gives December babies a real choice. Some people connect more with holly's bold presence while others prefer the papery white petals and sweet fragrance of narcissus. I like asking clients which one feels more like them before I start designing their birthday arrangement.
December Birth Flower #1: Holly
Photo credit: Flickr.
What Does Holly Look Like?
Holly looks exactly like the holiday cards you grew up seeing every December. The glossy dark green leaves have those sharp, pointed edges that can actually prick your fingers if you handle them carelessly. Most people recognize the bright red berries that appear in clusters against that deep green foliage, though some varieties produce orange, yellow, or even white berries depending on the species.
What surprises most people is that holly actually produces flowers. Small greenish-white blooms appear in late spring, though they rarely get the attention that the berries do later in the year. Only female holly plants produce those famous berries, and they need a male plant nearby for pollination to happen. The genus Ilex contains over 570 species worldwide, ranging from compact shrubs to trees reaching nearly 50 feet tall.
Holly Symbolism and History
Protection sits at the heart of holly's symbolism. Those pointed leaves were thought to ward off evil spirits long before anyone hung them on a door for Christmas decoration. The Celts brought evergreen boughs inside during winter solstice as a reminder that life continued through the darkest days, and when Christianity spread through Europe, holly took on new layers of symbolism.
I find it interesting how holly carries dual representations of both domestic happiness and fierce protection. The red berries connect to themes of sacrifice and renewal in some traditions, while the plant's ability to stay green through winter became a sign of resilience and hope. When you gift holly to someone, you're essentially wishing them both joy and safety in their home. That's a pretty powerful message wrapped up in one plant.
Fun Facts About Holly
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Female plants require a male nearby to produce berries, so a single holly bush often stays berry-free all season
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The Duke of Argyll rerouted an entire road in 1800s Scotland rather than cut down an old holly tree
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American holly became the state tree of Delaware in 1939
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Birds depend on holly berries as a crucial winter food source since few other plants offer fruit during cold months
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Native Americans used holly berries for decoration, trade, and even made arrows from the wood
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Yaupon holly is the only North American plant containing caffeine
December Birth Flower #2: Narcissus (Paperwhite)
Photo credit: Flickr.
What Makes Paperwhites So Distinct?
The December narcissus goes by paperwhite, named for petals so thin they look like they might tear if you touched them. These aren't the yellow daffodils you see in spring gardens. Paperwhites bloom in clusters of white star-shaped flowers on slender green stems, and they carry a fragrance that people either love deeply or find way too intense for indoor spaces. I've had clients specifically request them and others specifically ask me to leave them out.
Unlike most bulbs that require winter chilling before they'll bloom, paperwhites can be forced to flower in a bowl of water and gravel within 3 to 6 weeks of planting. This made them popular as holiday gifts centuries ago, and that tradition continues today. The Chinese have grown them for over a thousand years to coincide with Lunar New Year celebrations, which tells you just how long people have been bringing these indoors during winter.
Narcissus Symbolism and the Greek Myth
The name narcissus comes from Greek mythology, tied to a young man so captivated by his own reflection that he wasted away staring at it in a pool of water. According to legend, the flower sprouted where he died. This connection to vanity still follows narcissus around, though Victorian flower language added more generous interpretations over the years.
In Victorian times, giving paperwhites meant telling someone they were "the only one." The flower represents renewal and new beginnings, which fits perfectly for a bloom that appears during the darkest stretch of the year. When I add narcissus to holiday arrangements, they bring a sense of fresh possibility into rooms already heavy with pine and cinnamon. There's something about that clean white against all the red and green that just cuts through.
Narcissus Colors and Their Meanings
Most paperwhites bloom pure white, though the broader narcissus family includes yellow and orange varieties. The white blooms specifically represent purity, innocence, and hope. Grand Soleil d'Or is a popular variety with yellow petals and an orange center, offering a milder fragrance than the classic white Ziva variety that tends to fill an entire room.
For romantic bouquets, white paperwhites signal unconditional devotion. The yellow varieties carry more playful energy and can brighten get well flowers during winter months when everyone needs a little extra cheer.
Practical Uses and Care Notes
Paperwhites have been used in perfume production for centuries thanks to their intense fragrance. Every part of the plant is toxic though, so keep them away from pets and children who might be tempted to nibble. Florists figured out that adding a small amount of alcohol to the water keeps the stems from growing too tall and toppling over, which is a trick I share with clients who want to force their own bulbs at home.
I recommend placing forced bulbs somewhere cool until buds form, then moving them to wherever you want to enjoy the blooms. They'll last longer that way.
Holly vs. Narcissus: Which Better Fits December Birthdays?
| Holly | Narcissus | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Your friend who decks the halls and hosts every holiday party | Your friend who prefers a quiet night in with a good book |
| Message It Sends | "I'm wishing you protection and joy" | "You're the only one/Here's to new beginnings" |
| Personality Match | Bold, traditional, and fiercely loyal | Gentle, optimistic, and forward-looking |
| Fragrance | None (but pairs well with pine and cedar) | Strong and sweet (you'll know they're in the room) |
| Longevity | Foliage lasts weeks with minimal care | 5 to 7 days max (but worth every moment) |
| Color Palette | Deep green leaves with bright red berries | Crisp white petals (some varieties in yellow) |
| Zodiac Match | Capricorns (December 22 and after) | Sagittarians (before December 22) |
Choosing between these December birth flowers comes down to knowing the recipient. Someone who hosts holiday gatherings and fills their home with decorations will probably connect with holly's festive energy. For the person who prefers quiet evenings and fresh starts, paperwhites carry more personal resonance.
When clients ask me for birthday flowers in December, I often suggest incorporating both. Holly adds seasonal context while narcissus provides that unmistakable fragrance that makes winter arrangements memorable. You get the best of what this month has to offer.
December Birth Flowers and Your Zodiac Sign
Sagittarians born before December 22nd share qualities with the narcissus. Both carry optimism and an adventurous spirit, with the flower's fragrance traveling through a room the way Sagittarius energy fills any gathering. That connection to new beginnings fits a sign always looking toward the next horizon. If you're shopping for a Sagittarius, paperwhites make sense.
Capricorns arriving after December 22nd align more naturally with holly. The plant's ability to remain vibrant through harsh conditions mirrors Capricorn's famous resilience and determination. Holly's protective symbolism speaks to how Capricorns guard the people and traditions they hold close. These are the friends who remember every birthday and show up when it matters.
For birthday arrangements, I'll often ask about the recipient's exact birthday before deciding which December birth flower should take the lead in the design. It makes a difference.
Summing Up December's Birth Flowers
December birth flowers capture everything this month represents. Holly brings the celebration and protection we need during the darkest days, while narcissus points toward the light returning. Both belong in winter arrangements, and both say something real about the people born during this time of year.
Curious about other birth flowers? Check out our guides on September birth flowers, October birth flowers, and November birth flowers to keep exploring.
