If you were born in December, you get something rather special: two birth flowers instead of one. The December birth flower is traditionally associated with narcissus and holly, two plants that look completely different but beautifully capture the feeling of the winter season.
Narcissus, particularly the paperwhite type, is known for its delicate white flowers and fresh fragrance. Holly, on the other hand, brings glossy green leaves and bright red berries that have become closely connected with winter celebrations. Together, they represent ideas such as hope, renewal, protection, happiness, and good fortune.
So, if you’ve ever searched what is December birth flower or wondered what is the December birth flower, the simple answer is: narcissus and holly.
But there’s much more to these flowers than their appearance.
Why Does December Have Two Birth Flowers?
You may notice different websites giving slightly different answers when you search whats December birth flower. Some lists mention narcissus, others mention holly, while many modern birth-flower guides include both.
That is because birth flowers come from traditions and symbolic flower calendars rather than a single internationally standardized botanical system. As a result, different sources and cultures can assign more than one flower to the same month.
For December, the two most widely recognized choices are:
- Narcissus – associated with hope, renewal, beauty, and good fortune.
- Holly – associated with protection, happiness, peace, and winter endurance.
The pairing makes sense symbolically. Narcissus represents the promise of something fresh and beautiful, while holly remains green through winter, making it a natural symbol of resilience and continuity.
Narcissus: The December Birth Flower
When people talk about the December birth flower narcissus, they are usually referring to the Narcissus genus, particularly paperwhite narcissus.
Narcissus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and includes several familiar flowers commonly called daffodils, jonquils, or narcissus. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that daffodils are botanically divided into 13 divisions based largely on flower form.
What Does Narcissus Look Like?
Narcissus flowers can vary considerably depending on the species or cultivar. Paperwhite narcissus, which is particularly associated with December, is known for clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
Other Narcissus flowers can have:
- White petals
- Yellow petals
- Yellow or orange cups
- White-and-yellow combinations
- Strong or delicate fragrance
- Single or multiple blooms on a stem
This variety is one reason the flower works so well in bouquets, illustrations, jewelry, and tattoos.
The RHS is also the International Registration Authority for the genus Narcissus, reflecting the enormous diversity of cultivated daffodils and related cultivars.
December Birth Flower Meaning: What Does Narcissus Symbolize?
The December birth flower meaning becomes especially interesting when you look at narcissus symbolism.
Narcissus is commonly connected with:
- Renewal
- Hope
- Good fortune
- Fresh beginnings
- Beauty
- Respect
- Faithfulness
The exact meaning can vary depending on cultural and historical traditions, so it is better to think of these as commonly associated symbolic ideas rather than strict universal definitions.
The Story Behind the Name Narcissus
The name comes from the famous Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who became captivated by his own reflection. The story eventually became associated with the flower that bears his name.
Interestingly, the botanical name Narcissus should not automatically be interpreted as meaning vanity or selfishness. Modern flower symbolism is much broader, and narcissus is frequently used to represent renewal, beauty, hope, and good wishes.
That distinction is worth remembering if you’re considering a narcissus December birth flower tattoo.
Holly: The Other December Birth Flower
The second flower commonly associated with December is holly.
Technically, holly belongs to the genus Ilex and is better known as an evergreen shrub or small tree than as a traditional garden flower. Yet its strong seasonal symbolism has earned it a place among December birth flowers.
Holly is instantly recognizable by its:
- Glossy green leaves
- Spiny leaf edges
- Red berries
- Evergreen foliage
Its appearance is one reason it has become so strongly connected with winter decorations, wreaths, garlands, and festive arrangements. The Old Farmer’s Almanac also identifies holly and paperwhite narcissus as December birth flowers.
December Birth Flower Holly Meaning
The December birth flower holly carries a very different personality from narcissus.
Holly is commonly associated with:
- Protection
- Strength
- Resilience
- Happiness
- Peace
- Good fortune
- Continuity
Its evergreen nature is particularly meaningful. While many plants lose their leaves during winter, holly remains green, which has made it a natural symbol of endurance and life during the colder months.
Its bright berries also add a feeling of warmth and celebration to an otherwise quiet winter landscape.
Why Is Holly Associated With December?
Holly has a long history of winter and holiday associations. Its evergreen foliage made it useful for seasonal decorations, while its colorful berries provided a striking contrast against winter greenery.
Today, holly is especially familiar in wreaths, Christmas arrangements, table decorations, greeting cards, and winter-inspired designs.
So if you prefer a birth flower with a stronger seasonal and traditional feeling, holly December birth flower designs may appeal to you more than narcissus.
Narcissus vs. Holly: Which December Birth Flower Is Right for You?
Choosing between the two doesn’t have to be difficult. Think about the symbolism and visual style you prefer.
| Feature | Narcissus | Holly |
| Main colors | White, yellow, cream | Green and red |
| Overall style | Soft and delicate | Bold and festive |
| Common symbolism | Hope, renewal, beauty | Protection, resilience, good fortune |
| Best for | Elegant floral designs | Winter-inspired designs |
| Tattoo style | Fine-line and botanical | Botanical and illustrative |
| Jewelry | Delicate and minimal | Detailed and seasonal |
If you love simple flowers with an elegant appearance, narcissus may be your favorite.
If you prefer something recognizable, dramatic, and distinctly wintery, holly is a beautiful alternative.
December Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas
Birth flowers have become especially popular as meaningful tattoo designs because they can represent a person’s birth month without using a name, date, or obvious text.
A December birth flower tattoo can be designed in countless ways depending on your style.
1. Minimal Narcissus Tattoo
A simple single-line narcissus can look incredibly elegant.
Try a design featuring:
- One flower
- A thin stem
- Minimal leaves
- Fine black lines
- Small dimensions
This is ideal if you want a subtle December birth flower for tattoo inspiration.
2. Holly Branch Tattoo
A small holly branch with two or three berries can create a beautiful botanical tattoo.
The leaves can be drawn with fine outlines while the berries add small areas of detail.
3. Narcissus and Holly Together
Why choose only one?
A combined narcissus-and-holly design can represent both December flowers. The soft flower and structured evergreen leaves create an interesting contrast.
4. Birth Flower With a Date
Another popular approach is combining the flower with a meaningful date.
For example:
- Birth date
- Birth year
- Child’s birthday
- Anniversary
- Initials
This can make the tattoo much more personal.
5. Watercolor December Birth Flower
For a more artistic look, narcissus can be rendered in soft watercolor-style shading, while holly berries can provide a vivid contrast.
This style works particularly well for larger floral compositions.
December Birth Flower Tattoo Female Ideas
If you’re specifically searching for a December birth flower tattoo female, there is no single style that is exclusively feminine. The best design depends on your personal taste.
However, popular delicate approaches include:
- Fine-line narcissus
- Tiny holly branch
- Minimal botanical outline
- Narcissus with a birth date
- Small floral ankle tattoo
- Wrist or forearm botanical design
- Behind-the-ear flower design
- Fine-line shoulder or collarbone design
A very small narcissus flower can look elegant without being overly complicated, while a detailed holly branch can create a more distinctive botanical appearance.
April and December Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas
If you’re looking for an April and December birth flower tattoo, combining two birth months can create a meaningful design for couples, siblings, friends, or family members.
April is commonly associated with the daisy and sweet pea, while December is associated with narcissus and holly.
Instead of putting four flowers into one crowded tattoo, consider choosing one representative flower from each month.
For example:
April daisy + December narcissus
This pairing can create a soft, symmetrical floral design.
Another option is to use two stems that curve toward each other, with each flower representing one person’s birth month.
December Birth Flower Drawing Ideas
You don’t have to be getting a tattoo to enjoy these flowers. A December birth flower drawing can be a beautiful creative project for beginners, students, artists, or anyone interested in botanical illustration.
Simple Narcissus Drawing
Start by drawing:
- A central trumpet or cup shape.
- Six surrounding petals.
- A curved stem.
- Two or three long leaves.
- Light shading around the center.
- Fine details around the flower’s edges.
For a more realistic drawing, study the flower from different angles instead of relying on one front-facing reference.
Holly Drawing
Holly is even easier to recognize.
Focus on:
- The pointed leaf shape
- The central vein
- Small side veins
- Curved stems
- Round berries
You can draw several holly leaves around a few berries to create a simple winter botanical illustration.
December Birth Flower Necklace: A Meaningful Gift
A December birth flower necklace is a lovely alternative to giving someone a conventional birthstone gift.
A necklace featuring narcissus can feel delicate and personal, while a holly pendant has a stronger winter-inspired character.
When choosing one, consider:
- Flower shape
- Pendant size
- Metal finish
- Engraving options
- Birth-date engraving
- Initials
- Minimal versus detailed design
For someone who prefers understated jewelry, a small outline of a narcissus flower can be especially elegant.
For someone who loves Christmas or winter aesthetics, a holly-inspired pendant may be a better match.
How to Choose a December Birth Flower Gift
A birth flower makes a gift more personal because it connects the object to the recipient’s birth month.
Some ideas include:
- Birth flower necklace – Ideal for a personal everyday gift.
- Floral art print – Great for bedroom or office decor.
- Botanical illustration – A thoughtful handmade option.
- Birth flower card – Simple but meaningful.
- Floral bouquet – Perfect for birthdays.
- Personalized jewelry – Add initials or a birth date.
- Birth flower tattoo design – A permanent and highly personal option.
The best choice depends on whether the recipient prefers jewelry, home decor, flowers, or something more sentimental.
What Makes Narcissus Special in December?
At first glance, narcissus might seem like an unusual December flower because many people associate daffodils with spring.
That’s a fair observation.
However, the Narcissus genus contains many different species and cultivated forms, and paperwhite narcissus is particularly suited to winter growing and indoor flowering. The Old Farmer’s Almanac specifically describes paperwhite narcissus as a winter-blooming bulb often grown indoors for its fragrant flowers.
This makes narcissus a fitting symbol for December: a delicate flower appearing when much of the outdoor landscape is quiet.
Are Narcissus and Daffodils the Same Flower?
This is one of the most common points of confusion.
Daffodil is a common name used for many plants in the genus Narcissus. Narcissus is the botanical genus, while daffodil, jonquil, and paperwhite are common names used for particular types or groups.
So, saying that a daffodil is a narcissus is broadly correct, but not every Narcissus flower looks exactly like the classic yellow daffodil people picture.
The RHS recognizes 13 horticultural divisions of daffodils based mainly on flower characteristics.
December Birth Flower Colors and Their Meanings
Color can change the mood of a floral design considerably.
White Narcissus
White narcissus often gives a feeling of:
- Purity
- Peace
- Fresh beginnings
- Simplicity
- Elegance
Yellow Narcissus
Yellow flowers naturally create a brighter impression and are often associated with:
- Happiness
- Friendship
- Warmth
- Optimism
- Cheerfulness
Holly Green
Green holly leaves can symbolize:
- Life
- Endurance
- Renewal
- Nature
- Resilience
Holly Red
The bright red berries add associations with:
- Celebration
- Warmth
- Energy
- Joy
These meanings are symbolic rather than scientifically fixed, and floral traditions can differ across cultures.
Cultural Meaning of December’s Birth Flowers
Flowers often carry meanings that go beyond modern birth-flower lists.
Narcissus has been cultivated and appreciated across different cultures. In China, for example, narcissus is strongly associated with the Lunar New Year and is regarded as an auspicious flower connected with good fortune and prosperity.
Holly, meanwhile, became deeply embedded in European winter traditions and remains one of the most recognizable plants associated with the holiday season.
This is part of what makes the two flowers such an interesting combination: narcissus looks toward renewal and new beginnings, while holly represents endurance through winter.
How to Use December Birth Flowers in Design
The symbolism of these flowers isn’t limited to tattoos or jewelry.
You can incorporate them into:
- Birthday invitations
- Wedding stationery
- Greeting cards
- Wall art
- Bedroom decor
- Scrapbooking
- Digital illustrations
- Phone wallpapers
- Personalized gifts
- Floral logos
- Embroidery
- Packaging designs
For a modern aesthetic, a fine-line narcissus illustration paired with understated typography can look sophisticated.
For a festive aesthetic, holly leaves and berries work beautifully with traditional winter motifs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the December Birth Flower
What is the December birth flower?
The December birth flowers are narcissus and holly. Narcissus is particularly represented by paperwhite varieties, while holly is recognized for its evergreen leaves and red berries.
What is the December birth flower meaning?
The December birth flower meaning varies by flower. Narcissus is commonly linked with hope, renewal, beauty, and good fortune, while holly is associated with protection, resilience, happiness, and peace.
Is narcissus the December birth flower?
Yes. Narcissus is one of the traditional December birth flowers, particularly paperwhite narcissus. Holly is also widely recognized as a December birth flower.
Is holly the December birth flower?
Yes. Holly is commonly listed alongside narcissus as one of December’s birth flowers.
What is a good December birth flower for a tattoo?
Narcissus is an excellent choice for a delicate botanical tattoo, while holly works well for a bolder winter-inspired design. You can also combine both into one composition.
What does a December birth flower tattoo symbolize?
A December birth flower tattoo can represent your birth month as well as personal ideas such as renewal, hope, resilience, protection, happiness, or new beginnings.
Is narcissus a good December birth flower tattoo?
Absolutely. A narcissus December birth flower tattoo can be particularly attractive in fine-line, minimalist, botanical, or watercolor styles.
What is the best December birth flower for tattoo designs?
There isn’t one objectively best option. Choose narcissus if you want something delicate and floral, or holly if you prefer a distinctive winter botanical design.
Can I combine narcissus and holly in a tattoo?
Yes. Combining the two December flowers can make the tattoo more representative of the month and gives the design a nice contrast between soft petals, pointed leaves, and berries.
What is a December birth flower necklace?
A December birth flower necklace is jewelry featuring a narcissus, holly, or both as a symbolic representation of a person’s December birth month.
What can I draw for a December birth flower drawing?
You can draw a paperwhite narcissus, a holly branch, or both together. For beginners, start with simple outlines before adding botanical details and shading.
Final Thoughts on the December Birth Flower
So, what is the December birth flower? The answer is beautifully simple: narcissus and holly.
Narcissus brings delicate flowers, fragrance, hope, and the feeling of a fresh beginning. Holly brings evergreen strength, protection, bright berries, and the unmistakable character of winter.
Whether you’re researching a December birth flower tattoo, choosing a December birth flower necklace, creating a December birth flower drawing, or simply curious about your birth-month symbolism, both flowers offer plenty of inspiration.
And perhaps that’s the nicest thing about having two December birth flowers: you don’t have to choose between softness and strength. You can celebrate both.
