What does the narcissus mean?
The narcissus means hope, good wishes and a fresh start, which is a good thing to wish someone at the turn of the year.
Its name comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, but the December narcissus is the paperwhite: a small, scented white flower that people grow indoors to bloom in the middle of winter.
What does holly mean?
Holly means protection, good cheer and a happy home. Its leaves stay green all winter, so people have brought it indoors for as long as there have been winters to get through.
Only female holly plants grow the red berries. A sprig with berries on it came from a female tree with a male one somewhere nearby.
Saturnalia
The Roman winter festival in December, when people gave each other holly long before it was part of Christmas.
Narcissus or holly: which is the December birth flower?
Both. Most lists give the narcissus as the flower and holly as December’s plant, and many people know December by its holly.
 Narcissus |  Holly | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A white winter flower | An evergreen with red berries |
| Best for | Good wishes for the year ahead | A cozy, festive birthday |
Holly berries and narcissus bulbs are poisonous to people and pets. If a real sprig goes with the card, keep it out of reach.
