December’s birth flower is the narcissus — specifically the winter-blooming paperwhite — with festive holly as its secondary bloom. The narcissus symbolizes hope, good wishes, and faithfulness, a bright note of optimism for the year’s final month.
December’s birth flowers at a glance
- Primary flower: Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)
- Secondary flower: Holly
- Core meanings: hope, good wishes, and faithfulness
- Best for: birthday bouquets, meaningful tattoos, and seasonal gifts
The narcissus: December’s primary birth flower
The December narcissus is the paperwhite, a fragrant relative of the daffodil that blooms indoors in midwinter just as the garden sleeps. It symbolizes hope, respect, faithfulness, and good wishes, carrying a gentle message of “stay sweet” and the promise that spring will return.
Like its spring cousin the daffodil, the narcissus takes its name from the Greek myth of the youth who fell in love with his reflection. Paperwhites are prized for forcing indoors during the holidays, filling winter homes with sweet scent and white blooms when little else is flowering.
The holly: December’s secondary birth flower
Holly (Ilex), with its glossy leaves and scarlet berries, is December’s secondary flower and a centrepiece of midwinter celebration. It symbolizes protection, domestic happiness, and foresight, and its evergreen leaves have long stood for everlasting life through the darkest part of the year.
December birth flower tattoo ideas
December’s flowers suit clean, wintry tattoos, from delicate narcissus blooms to festive sprigs of holly.
- A single paperwhite narcissus for a fresh, hopeful piece
- Fine-line narcissus along the wrist or collarbone
- A sprig of holly with berries for a festive winter design
- Narcissus paired with the December birthstone (turquoise) in blue accents
- A family birth-flower bouquet featuring December’s narcissus
Gift ideas for someone born in December
Paperwhite narcissus and holly are quintessential winter gifts, bringing scent and color to the darkest month.
- A bowl of paperwhite bulbs ready to force into bloom indoors
- A fresh narcissus bouquet for winter fragrance
- Turquoise-and-floral jewelry tying in the December birthstone
- A holly wreath or arrangement for festive cheer
- Botanical art featuring narcissus or holly
Caring for December’s flowers
Paperwhite narcissus are easy to force indoors: set the bulbs in a shallow dish of pebbles and water, keep them cool and bright, and they’ll bloom in a few weeks — perfect for the holidays. Outdoors, plant narcissus bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil. Holly prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, slightly acidic soil; you need both male and female plants for the female to produce its signature berries.
December birth flower FAQs
What is the birth flower for December?
December has two birth flowers: the narcissus (paperwhite), its primary flower, and holly. The narcissus symbolizes hope and good wishes, while holly represents protection and domestic happiness.
What does the December narcissus symbolize?
The December narcissus, or paperwhite, symbolizes hope, faithfulness, respect, and good wishes, carrying a gentle message that better days and spring are on the way.
Is December’s narcissus the same as a daffodil?
They’re close relatives in the same genus, but December’s flower is specifically the paperwhite narcissus, a fragrant white variety that blooms indoors in midwinter, while the classic yellow daffodil is March’s flower.
What does holly symbolize?
Holly symbolizes protection, domestic happiness, and foresight. As an evergreen with bright berries in winter, it has long stood for everlasting life and festive celebration.
What do December birth flower tattoos mean?
A December birth flower tattoo features narcissus or holly and represents hope, faithfulness, and protection, often chosen to mark a December birthday or the festive season.
Explore other months
See the full birth flowers by month guide, or visit November and January.