With the month of December just around the corner, the turn of those who celebrate ‘Birthmas’ is fast approaching. It can be difficult to make December babies feel special with 2 large celebrations in such quick succession. When gift-giving inspiration is dwindling and the spending fatigue is settling in, a beautiful arrangement featuring December’s birth flowers can be the perfect meaningful gift for a loved one to help them feel cherished on their birthday.
Like most months, December has 2 flowers to choose from; Holly & Narcissus (Paperwhite). Both options allow you to celebrate those who relish in the festive period and those who are, perhaps, not quite as keen.
Holly (Ilex Berry)
A classic & recognisable staple; Holly is a hallmark of the holiday season. A shrub with famously pointed leaves and vibrant red berries in winter. What better plant to make merry the Christmas-loving December baby in your life.
From the Aquifoliaceae family – specifically the Ilex genus – Holly berries are most recognisably red. However, you can also find them in pink, white, yellow and black. They grow best in gardens with slightly acidic soil and in areas exposed to full sun. They are evergreen and also provide a vital source of food to birds throughout the colder months.
Holly is believed to represent wealth, fertility, hope and a renewal of light and life. It has also been used to symbolise religious figures such as Jesus Christ (Christianity) and the Holly King (Paganism), and to ward off evil spirits from the home. However, whichever the symbolism, Holly has been a mainstay in winter décor throughout history.
Narcissus (Paperwhite)
For those who may begrudge the proximity of their birthday to the season’s festivities, Narcissus – specifically Paperwhites – are the perfect flower to gift. A jolly reminder that lighter nights are slowly returning, and that life is beginning to stir again after its frosty slumber.
Named after a self-loving figure in Greek mythology, who drowned after falling deeply in love with his own reflection in a river and finding himself unable to move. Upon recovering his body, it was found that he had transformed into the flower we now know as Narcissus.
Narcissus bulbs prefer being exposed to full sun, though will tolerate light shade and make for an essential splash of colour in a winter garden so whilst you can buy them as a cut flower in December you can also buy potted versions that will grow and … importantly .. provide a gorgeous scent long after the big day.
