The December birth flower is the paperwhite narcissus, with holly as the second December birth flower. The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives December the meaning rebirth, hope and protection, a fitting message for birthdays at the turn of the year.
Shopping for a December birthday? Our narcissus heart necklace ($39 USD) and narcissus bar necklace ($42 USD) are laser-engraved with the December narcissus on 316L stainless steel, in 18K gold PVD, 18K rose gold PVD or polished steel. The flower design comes pre-engraved, so there is no name or text to add.
December birth flower at a glance
| Flower(s) | Primary: narcissus, specifically the paperwhite. Secondary: holly. |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Rebirth, hope, protection. |
| Popular colors | Paperwhite narcissus is usually white, often with a pale or yellow cup; narcissus also appears in yellow, cream, and orange-centered varieties. Holly is usually green with red berries. |
| Season | Paperwhites are commonly grown indoors in winter; holly is strongly associated with winter greenery. |
| December zodiac signs | Sagittarius until Dec 21; Capricorn from Dec 22. |
| Birthstone | Turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. |
| Gift idea | A laser-engraved narcissus necklace, a potted paperwhite, or a card explaining the flower meaning. |
Shop December birth flower necklaces
✓ Pre-engraved narcissus design · ✓ Free US & Canada shipping · ✓ Ships within 2 to 5 days · ✓ 14-day returns on unworn items
See all birth flower necklaces · Born in December? Pair it with Sagittarius jewelry (until Dec. 21) or Capricorn jewelry (from Dec. 22).
Holiday shopping? See Christmas gifts for grandma and gifts for a mom who has everything.
What does the narcissus mean?
As a December birth flower, narcissus is most often read through the hopeful side of its symbolism: new beginnings, renewed light, and the quiet courage to start again. Paperwhites make that message feel especially clean and winter-bright, which is why they suit a birthday near the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
The flower also has a more complicated symbolic history. In the Victorian language of flowers, narcissus is often tied to self-love, self-regard, or vanity because of the Greek myth of Narcissus, who became enchanted by his own reflection. That older association does not cancel the birth-month meaning; it simply gives the flower more depth. A December birthday card might say, rebirth, hope and protection, while the broader flower-language tradition may add a reminder to love yourself without becoming self-absorbed.
One cultural note: in Chinese traditions, narcissus is often associated with good fortune and prosperity, especially when it blooms around Lunar New Year. That makes the flower feel even more fitting for someone who sees their birthday as a fresh chapter.
Narcissus colors and their meanings
Color meanings vary by source, so think of these as traditional associations rather than fixed rules.
- White narcissus: The classic paperwhite look, often associated with purity, innocence, remembrance, and a clean start.
- Yellow narcissus: A cheerful choice often connected with friendship, optimism, joy, and new beginnings.
- Orange or peach-centered narcissus: Often used to suggest warmth, encouragement, enthusiasm, and creative energy.
- Cream narcissus: A softer alternative to bright white, often chosen for gentle, understated designs.
The second December birth flower: holly
Holly gives December a second symbol with a more protective, winter-green feeling. Where paperwhite narcissus looks delicate and hopeful, holly feels strong, watchful, and enduring.
Traditionally, holly is linked with protection, resilience, and goodwill. Its pointed leaves make the idea of protection easy to understand, while its evergreen appearance helps explain why it became a natural symbol for life and steadiness in the cold season. For a December birthday, holly is a thoughtful secondary flower when you want the message to be less about a fresh start and more about strength, shelter, and being cared for.
Is poinsettia a December birth flower?
Poinsettia is one of the best-known December and Christmas plants, but in the Almanac birth-flower list used here, December’s flowers are paperwhite narcissus and holly. If someone searches for December flowers, poinsettia may appear because of the holiday season, not because it is the traditional birth flower in this source.
Quick care for paperwhite narcissus
- Light: Place paperwhites in bright, indirect light once shoots appear.
- Water: Keep the roots moist, but do not submerge the bulb itself.
- Support: Tall stems can lean, so rotate the pot and add simple support if needed.
- Safety note: Narcissus bulbs and holly berries should not be eaten, so keep them away from pets and small children.
History and fun facts
- Narcissus is a botanical group. Daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites are commonly grouped under the Narcissus genus, which is why people sometimes use the names loosely.
- The name has a myth behind it. Narcissus is linked to the Greek story of a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection.
- Paperwhites are indoor winter favorites. Gardeners often grow them inside because they can bloom without the long chilling period many spring bulbs need.
- The shape is easy to recognize. Many narcissus flowers have a central trumpet or cup, called a corona, surrounded by petal-like segments.
- Holly earned its winter symbolism naturally. Many hollies stay green when other plants are bare, which helped make holly a lasting winter decoration.
December birth flower tattoo and design ideas
Narcissus works beautifully in small, delicate designs because the stem, petals, and cup can be simplified without losing the flower’s identity. Popular directions include a fine-line paperwhite on a single stem, a tiny cluster of blooms, or a narcissus paired with a name, initial, or meaningful date.
For a December tattoo with more personal context, combine the flower with a zodiac glyph: Sagittarius for birthdays through Dec 21 or Capricorn from Dec 22 onward. If you are checking a date before designing a gift or tattoo, our birthday finder shows the zodiac sign and birth flower for any date.
December birthday gift ideas built around the flower
A good December birth flower gift does more than show a pretty bloom. It explains the meaning: rebirth, hope, and protection. Here are thoughtful ways to build a gift around paperwhite narcissus.
How to make a December birthday gift feel personal
December birthdays can get blended into holiday gifting, so make the birth flower the focus. Choose narcissus for the birthday meaning, use separate birthday wrapping if possible, and include a note that says rebirth, hope, and protection instead of relying on a holiday message.
- Birthday-first note: “This is for your December birthday, not just the season. Your birth flower is narcissus, a symbol of rebirth, hope, and protection.”
- Fresh-start note: “A paperwhite narcissus for a new year of light, hope, and beautiful beginnings.”
- Protective note: “Narcissus and holly both feel like December: hopeful, strong, and always finding light in winter.”
December birth flower heart necklace
The December birth flower heart necklace is a compact, sentimental option with a pre-designed narcissus motif laser-engraved on 316L stainless steel. It comes with an 18K gold PVD finish, an 18K rose gold PVD finish, or polished stainless steel and includes an 18-inch chain. The heart pendant measures 0.63 x 0.55 in (16 x 14 mm).
December birth flower bar necklace
The December birth flower bar necklace has a slim, minimal shape with a pre-designed narcissus design laser-engraved on 316L stainless steel. It is available in the same three finishes and includes an 18-inch chain. The bar pendant measures 1.26 x 0.20 in (32 x 5 mm).
Both necklaces are made from 316L stainless steel for everyday wear. They ship free to the US and Canada, and orders ship within 2-5 days. The heart is $39 USD and the bar is $42. The narcissus artwork is pre-designed rather than personalized with names.
Shop the December heart necklace · Shop the December bar necklace
- A potted paperwhite: A living flower gift feels especially meaningful when you include a note about rebirth and hope.
- A meaning card: Write the flower, the symbolism, and the recipient’s birthday on a small card so the gift feels intentional.
- A mom or grandma gift: Let the narcissus represent a December child or grandchild, and use other birth flowers in the card, wrapping, or separate keepsakes if you are building a family theme. For more family-centered inspiration, browse our grandma necklaces.
- A zodiac pairing: Add an astrology note with Sagittarius gifts for birthdays through Dec 21 or Capricorn gifts for Dec 22 and later.
Choosing a gift for your granddaughter? Our granddaughter gift guide includes birth flower necklaces for all 12 months.
Heart or bar: how to choose
Choose the heart necklace when the gift is openly sentimental: a birthday gift from a partner, parent, child, or close friend. Choose the bar necklace when the recipient likes clean lines, simple layers, or a quieter everyday shape.
If the finish is the main question, polished stainless steel feels crisp and classic, while 18K gold PVD and 18K rose gold PVD add warmth. For care questions, read our guide to whether stainless steel jewelry tarnishes.
Frequently asked questions
Does December have two birth flowers?
Yes. December’s primary birth flower is narcissus, specifically the paperwhite, and its secondary birth flower is holly.
What does the December birth flower symbolize?
Traditionally, December’s birth flower meaning is rebirth, hope, and protection. Narcissus leans toward renewal and hope, while holly adds a protective winter symbol.
Is narcissus the same as daffodil?
Narcissus is the botanical genus that includes daffodils, paperwhites, and jonquils. For December, the birth flower is usually identified more specifically as the paperwhite narcissus.
Why is paperwhite narcissus used for December?
Paperwhite is the narcissus most often connected with December because it is commonly grown indoors in winter and has a clean white bloom that fits the month’s themes of hope, renewal, and protection.
What color narcissus should I choose for a December birthday?
White is the most direct paperwhite choice and fits the symbolism of a clean start. Yellow feels cheerful and optimistic, while orange or peach-centered varieties add warmth.
What is the December birthstone?
December birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon.
What zodiac signs are in December?
December birthdays are Sagittarius until Dec 21 and Capricorn from Dec 22 onward.
Explore every month
For the full year, read our birth flower necklace guide, browse all birth flower necklaces, or compare the November birth flower and January birth flower. You can also see every month at a glance in our birth flowers by month chart.
Birth flowers by month
- January: carnation and snowdrop
- February: violet and primrose
- March: daffodil and jonquil
- April: daisy and sweet pea
- May: lily of the valley and hawthorn
- June: rose and honeysuckle
- July: larkspur and water lily
- August: gladiolus and poppy
- September: aster and morning glory
- October: marigold and cosmos
- November: chrysanthemum
- December: narcissus and holly