December Birth Flower: Narcissus and Holly
The December birth flowers are the narcissus (paperwhite) and holly — symbols of hope, good wishes and festive cheer. Their meanings, colours and how to give them.
Everyone born in December has two birth flowers: the narcissus (the paperwhite) and holly. Together they speak of hope, good wishes and festive cheer — bright, hopeful flowers for the year's final month. Here is what each one means, the colours to choose, and how to give them.
Narcissus — December's main birth flower
The narcissus is the primary December birth flower, most often the pure-white, sweetly scented paperwhite that blooms through the winter. It symbolises hope, good wishes, faithfulness and respect — the wish that good things lie ahead. Its clusters of star-shaped white blooms bring light and fragrance to the darkest month, and because paperwhites flower in winter they are one of the few traditional birth flowers genuinely in season in December.
Holly — December's secondary flower
Holly is December's second birth flower, the glossy evergreen with its bright red berries that has symbolised the season for centuries. It means good wishes, protection and festive cheer, and its enduring green leaves stand for life and hope through winter. As a branching evergreen rather than a bloom, holly brings structure, colour and unmistakable festive spirit to a December arrangement.
What December's birth flowers mean
December's pairing is bright and hopeful: the narcissus's hope and good wishes, the holly's cheer and protection. It is a warm, optimistic combination for the end of the year — a reminder of light and good wishes in the darkest, most festive month. For the full tradition, see our language of flowers guide.
Colours for a December birthday
December's palette is naturally festive: the narcissus's clean white and gold against the holly's deep green and berry red. White and green with a touch of red make a bouquet that feels both elegant and seasonal — perfect for a birthday that shares the month with the winter holidays. For building seasonal palettes, see our flower colours and seasonal palettes guide.
How to give December birth flowers
For a December birthday, scented white narcissus (paperwhites) make a fresh, hopeful centrepiece, lifted with festive greenery and a touch of red to echo the holly. Keep it elegant rather than purely "Christmassy" so the birthday still feels like its own occasion. A card noting that the narcissus means hope and good wishes gives the gift a warm, personal meaning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birth flower for December?
December has two birth flowers: the narcissus or paperwhite (the primary) and holly (the secondary). The narcissus means hope and good wishes; holly means festive cheer and protection.
What does December's narcissus symbolise?
Hope, good wishes, faithfulness and respect — the wish that good things lie ahead. The white, winter-blooming paperwhite is the classic December narcissus.
Why is holly a December flower?
Holly's evergreen leaves and bright red berries have symbolised the winter season and festive cheer for centuries, standing for life, hope and good wishes through the darkest month.
December birthdays, always in stock
Festive whites, greens and the winter palette are ones we plan around the season's peak, with the year-round anchors always fresh. At Vibra we select across Colombia and Ecuador. See the complete birth flowers by month guide, or tell us what your birthday range needs and we will keep it stocked.
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