December · early winter
December birth flower: Narcissus (Paperwhite) and Holly
December's birth flowers are narcissus (paperwhite) and holly, and its birthstone is turquoise. Here's what they mean and how to give them.
Narcissus (Paperwhite) and HollyBirth flower
TurquoiseBirthstone →Shop December birthstone jewelry
Turquoise for good fortune, protection, healing and success, paired with the narcissus (paperwhite). Our favorite searches for December gifts.
December birthstone necklaceDainty turquoise pendants, the #1 birth month giftShop on Amazon →Turquoise ringsSolitaires, stackers & bezel settingsShop on Amazon →December birthstone braceletCharm & chain bracelets with tiny stonesShop on Amazon →Turquoise stud earringsSimple studs that go with everythingShop on Amazon →Narcissus (Paperwhite) birth flower necklaceThe December flower, engraved or pressedShop on Amazon →Flower + stone necklaceBoth your symbols in one pieceShop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
The December palette
December birth flower
Narcissus (Paperwhite)
Narcissus papyraceus / N. tazetta
The narcissus (paperwhite) stands for hope, wealth, good wishes and self-reflection.
Narcissus (Paperwhite) colors & meanings
- White: purity and hope
- Yellow-cupped: good fortune
The flower is named after Narcissus of Greek myth, who fell in love with his own reflection. Paperwhites are forced indoors for winter holidays, and in Chinese tradition the narcissus blooms for the Lunar New Year as a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
Fun facts
- Paperwhites need no chilling period, so they can bloom indoors weeks after planting.
- A splash of alcohol in the water keeps forced paperwhites from flopping.
December birth flower
Holly
Ilex aquifolium
The holly stands for protection, domestic happiness and good will.
Holly colors & meanings
- Green leaf: eternal life
- Red berry: joy
The Romans gave holly at Saturnalia, Druids saw it as sacred, and Christians later linked its thorns and berries with the Christmas story. Hanging holly over a door was meant to protect the house.
Fun facts
- Only female holly plants produce berries.
- Holly berries are toxic to people and pets.
Some charts also list poinsettia for December; see poinsettia meaning.
December birth flower tattoo ideas
Clusters of small, star-shaped paperwhites on a tall stem look refined in fine-line black ink.
See December tattoo ideasYour December birthstone
Turquoise stands for good fortune, protection, healing and success. Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark "matrix" veins from the host rock.
Shop December jewelryDecember birthstone guideDecember birth flower gifts
Narcissus (Paperwhite) birth flower necklaces on Amazon →December birth flower art prints on Amazon →Narcissus (Paperwhite) seeds to grow your own on Amazon →We may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Questions, answered
What is the December birth flower?
The December birth flowers are Narcissus (Paperwhite) and Holly. Narcissus (Paperwhite) symbolizes hope, wealth, good wishes and self-reflection.
What does the December birth flower mean?
Narcissus (Paperwhite) means hope, wealth, good wishes and self-reflection. Holly means protection, domestic happiness and good will.
What is the December birthstone?
The December birthstone is Turquoise, a symbol of good fortune, protection, healing and success. Alternates: zircon and tanzanite.
What is a good December birth flower gift?
A bouquet of fresh narcissus (paperwhite)s, a pressed-flower or illustrated print, a birth flower necklace, or turquoise jewelry that pairs the flower and the stone.
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