There’s something magical about being born in December. As the year comes to a close and winter settles in, those celebrating December birthdays are connected to two beautiful and meaningful flowers: Narcissus and Holly. These December Birth Flowers aren’t just pretty to look at — they carry deep symbolism tied to hope, purity, joy, and the festive spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for the perfect birthday gift or simply want to learn more about these winter blooms, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the December Birth Flower.
What Are December Birth Flowers?
Unlike most months that have just one birth flower, December is special because it has two official flowers. Each one brings its own charm and meaning to those born during this wintry month.
Here’s a quick look at both:
- Narcissus (Paperwhite) – A delicate white flower symbolizing purity, renewal, and new beginnings. It blooms during the darkest days of winter, reminding us that light and hope are always just around the corner.
- Holly – An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and bright red berries, representing protection, joy, and resilience. Holly has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of good luck and festive cheer.
Together, these flowers capture the essence of December: a time for reflection, celebration, and looking forward to fresh starts.
Narcissus
The Narcissus flower, especially the beloved Paperwhite variety, is often considered the primary December Birth Flower. These elegant blooms appear when most other flowers have long since faded, bringing a touch of brightness to the cold winter months.
Narcissus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. The name comes from Greek mythology, where a young man named Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection. While the myth carries a cautionary tale, the flower itself represents much more positive qualities: purity, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.
Paperwhites are particularly popular during December because they’re easy to grow indoors and fill rooms with their sweet, delicate fragrance. Their pure white petals seem to glow against the winter backdrop, making them a favorite for holiday decorations and birthday bouquets.
Narcissus Quick Reference Guide
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Narcissus |
| Common Name | Paperwhite |
| Type | Perennial bulb |
| Bloom Color | White, yellow |
| Height | 10–18 inches |
| Bloom Season | Winter |
| Symbolism | Purity, renewal, and hope |
| Native Region | Mediterranean region |
Why Narcissus Matters
- Symbol of Optimism – Blooming in the heart of winter, Narcissus reminds us that even in dark times, beauty and hope can emerge.
- Fragrant Beauty – The sweet scent of Paperwhites is often described as honey-like, filling homes with warmth during cold December days.
- Easy to Grow – These flowers are perfect for beginners, requiring minimal care and thriving indoors.
- Gift-Worthy – A pot of blooming Narcissus makes a thoughtful and elegant birthday or holiday gift.
In ancient times, Narcissus was believed to bring good fortune and was often used in winter celebrations to ward off negativity and welcome prosperity.
Holly
While Narcissus brings delicate beauty, Holly brings strength and tradition. This evergreen shrub has been a symbol of winter celebrations for thousands of years, appearing in everything from Christmas wreaths to ancient folklore.
Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is known for its glossy, dark green leaves with spiky edges and its clusters of bright red berries that appear in late fall. Unlike many plants that lose their leaves in winter, Holly stays vibrant and green, representing resilience and eternal life.
In Christian tradition, Holly became associated with Christmas, with its red berries symbolizing the blood of Christ and its sharp leaves representing the crown of thorns. However, its significance goes even further back — ancient Celtic druids believed Holly had magical protective powers and would bring it indoors during winter solstice celebrations.
Holly Quick Reference Guide
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex aquifolium |
| Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Bloom Color | White (flowers), Red (berries) |
| Height | 6–15 feet |
| Bloom Season | Late fall to early winter |
| Symbolism | Protection, joy, and peace |
| Native Region | Europe, North America |
The Power of Holly
- Evergreen Symbol – Holly’s ability to stay green through winter makes it a powerful symbol of life, strength, and endurance.
- Holiday Tradition – For centuries, Holly has been used to decorate homes during December, bringing festive cheer and good luck.
- Natural Protection – In folklore, holly was believed to protect homes from evil spirits during winter, and hanging it above doorways was thought to bring blessings.
- Wildlife Haven – Holly berries provide essential food for birds during harsh winter months, making it an important part of the ecosystem.
The ancient Romans gifted holly during their winter festival of Saturnalia, believing it brought good health and happiness to the recipient.
Symbolism and Meaning of December Birth Flowers
Both December Birth Flowers carry rich symbolism that makes them perfect representations of those born in this special month.
Narcissus – Hope and New Beginnings
Narcissus blooms just as the year is ending, symbolizing:
- Renewal and Rebirth – The flower represents leaving the past behind and embracing new opportunities.
- Purity and Innocence – Its clean white petals reflect honesty, clarity, and good intentions.
- Optimism – Blooming in winter’s darkness, Narcissus is a reminder that brighter days are ahead.
- Good Fortune – In many cultures, receiving Narcissus flowers is believed to bring luck in the coming year.
Holly – Protection and Joy
Holly stands as a guardian of winter, offering:
- Resilience and Strength – Staying green when everything else has withered, Holly represents the ability to persevere through challenges.
- Protection and Safety – Its spiky leaves have long been seen as a natural shield against negativity.
- Cheerfulness and Celebration – The bright red berries bring joy and festive spirit to the coldest season.
- Peace and Goodwill – Holly has become synonymous with the peaceful, giving nature of the holiday season.
Together, these flowers create a beautiful balance — Narcissus brings gentle hope and fresh starts, while Holly offers strong protection and joyful celebration. People born in December are blessed to have both these powerful symbols representing their birth month.
How to Grow and Care for December Birth Flowers
Want to bring these beautiful December Birth Flowers into your own home or garden? Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for both Narcissus and Holly.
Growing Narcissus (Paperwhite)
Planting Instructions:
- Plant bulbs in well-draining soil or even in water with pebbles for support
- Place bulbs with the pointed end facing up, about 2–3 inches apart
- Cover with soil, leaving the tips slightly exposed
- Can be planted in pots, containers, or garden beds
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright, indirect sunlight (6–8 hours daily)
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Temperature: Prefers cool temperatures between 60–65°F
- Fertilizer: Not necessary for bulbs, as they contain stored nutrients
- Bloom Time: Flowers typically appear 3–5 weeks after planting
Special Growing Tips:
- For indoor winter blooms, plant Paperwhite bulbs in November for beautiful December flowers.
- Rotate pots every few days to keep stems growing straight.
- Once blooms fade, bulbs planted outdoors can naturalize and return each year.
Growing Holly
Planting Instructions:
- Choose a location with partial shade to full sun
- Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Space plants 5–6 feet apart for proper air circulation
- Best planted in early spring or fall
Care Tips:
- Light: Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Water: Water regularly during the first year; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature: Hardy in most climates; thrives in cool to moderate conditions
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Pruning: Trim in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
Important Safety Note:
- Holly berries are toxic to humans and pets if ingested
- Keep plants away from areas where children or animals play
- Wear gloves when pruning to protect from sharp leaves
Special Growing Tips:
- Plant both male and female holly plants near each other to ensure berry production on female plants.
- Holly makes excellent hedges and privacy screens due to its dense, spiky foliage.
- Container-grown holly works well for patios and small spaces.
Key Takeaways
- December Birth Flower refers to two flowers: Narcissus and Holly, both carrying deep winter symbolism.
- Narcissus (Paperwhite) symbolizes purity, hope, renewal, and new beginnings — perfect for the transition from old year to new.
- Holly represents joy, protection, resilience, and festive cheer, staying vibrant throughout the coldest season.
- Both flowers are deeply connected to December celebrations, making them ideal for birthday gifts and holiday decorations.
- Narcissus is easy to grow indoors during winter, while Holly thrives outdoors as an evergreen shrub.
- These December Birth Flowers capture the spirit of the season: hopeful, joyful, and full of promise for the future.
Conclusion
The December Birth Flower — whether you prefer the delicate beauty of Narcissus or the bold resilience of Holly — brings something truly special to the coldest month of the year. These flowers don’t just survive winter; they thrive in it, offering beauty, hope, and joy when we need it most.
For those born in December, these flowers reflect your strength, optimism, and warm spirit. You’re someone who brings light to dark days, who stays vibrant when others fade, and who embraces both endings and new beginnings with grace.
“Whether you gift a bloom of Narcissus or a sprig of Holly, both capture the spirit of December — pure, joyful, and full of new beginnings.”
Frequently Asked Questions
December has two official birth flowers: Narcissus (particularly the Paperwhite variety) and Holly. Both flowers carry special meanings related to winter, hope, and celebration.
Narcissus symbolizes purity, hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Its winter blooms represent optimism and the promise that brighter days are ahead, even in the darkest season.
Yes, Holly berries are toxic if eaten, especially for pets and small children. The berries can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Always keep Holly plants out of reach and supervise children around them.
Absolutely! Paperwhite Narcissus blooms beautifully indoors with enough sunlight. Plant bulbs in November, and you’ll have gorgeous flowers by December. They’re one of the easiest flowers to grow indoors.
Many months have two birth flowers to give people more options and symbolism. For December, Narcissus and Holly both bloom during winter and carry meanings that perfectly capture the spirit of the season — hope, joy, and resilience.
For Narcissus, a potted Paperwhite ready to bloom makes a wonderful gift. For Holly, consider a beautiful wreath, a small potted plant, or a bouquet featuring Holly sprigs with red berries. Both make thoughtful birthday and holiday gifts.
Narcissus bulbs forced indoors need bright light and consistent moisture. Holly planted outdoors is very hardy and requires minimal winter care once established. Protect young Holly plants with mulch during their first winter.