The Perfect Flower for Every Cultural Tradition

This Holiday, Customize Your Gifts & Make Lasting Memories

Each December, Christmas is the main event for many Americans. However, not everyone is a fan of Christmas, and many people from various cultures observe other holidays this month. Here are some fun ideas to bring vibrancy and joy to some of the colorful, exciting holidays that also fall in December and all too often are eclipsed by Christmas.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah falls in late December this year, so there is plenty of time for you to honor your Jewish loved ones with flowers. Traditional Hanukkah celebrations are blue and white. This combination is elegant and meaningful and complements the center of the festivities: the lit menorah. In Hanukkah Nights, plush baby blue hydrangeas make a soft, rounded base for charismatic white lilies set in a chic glass cube. Our Hanukkah Centerpiece is a show-stopper perfect for a large dinner gathering. This beautiful arrangement has candles set amid roses, lilies, daisies, and delphinium, all sturdy flowers that will stay fresh all week long. 

Kwanzaa

With roots in our very own Los Angeles, Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday and is deeply significant among African American families. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 to honor African harvest celebrations and build a sense of fruitfulness, hope, and community for African American people. Kwanzaa borrows from a variety of different African traditions and can be celebrated in any number of ways. Singing, dancing, playing in circles of African drums, telling stories, reading poetry, and eating together are unique features of the holiday. Kwanzaa unfolds over seven nights and culminates with a feast on New Year’s Eve. 

If you know people who celebrate Kwanzaa, show your love by ordering a harvest-themed gift to highlight the season’s abundance. Our Mixed Fruit Tart is a delicious addition to any festival or feast. Or, for something a little indulgent, check out our menu of chocolate treats.

Ōmisoka

 In Japan, December 31 is called Ōmisoka and is revered as one of the most meaningful days of the year – second only to New Year’s Day. Families celebrate Ōmisoka together and often share soba or udon noodles to symbolize the thread of time connecting the old year to the new. Japanese Buddhists will conclude their celebration by visiting a temple to listen to the bells as they sound 108 times, an auspicious number. 

Consider a Japanese-inspired floral arrangement for the people in your life who will observe Ōmisoka this month. Traditionally, the Japanese arrange flowers in the ikebana style and favor minimal, organic-looking shapes and colors. For a simple nod to the holiday, consider our Orchid Heaven, where purple orchid petals form a sculptural shape with bold acrylic rock in the vase’s base.

Boxing Day

On December 26, the U.K., Canada, and Australia observe Boxing Day, a dedicated holiday to consider how the generosity of the holiday season can benefit the poor. Its name comes from the passing of the alms box, where church collections were made for the poor for centuries. The Bahamas also celebrate Boxing Day with a lavish street parade and festival. Other Boxing Day traditions consist of going out with friends, serving holiday leftovers, resting, and shopping. 

Boxing Day is a perfect opportunity to surprise a friend with a gift – especially if they don’t celebrate Christmas. If you’re meeting up with a friend or loved one, make it count and show up with cookies or with some fresh, wintry blooms. 

December Birthdays

If you know someone who was born around Christmas, chances are they have some feelings about how other festivities overshadow their birthday. Honor the December birthdays in your life by giving a gift that feels distinct from the holiday season and reflects your personality and tastes. At Allen’s Flower Market, you can shop for flowers by color or choose a floral variety you know they will love, such as peonies, sunflowers, roses, tulips, and many more.

Allen’s Flower Market has been a family-owned and operated business for over 40 years. Our premium service, easy-to-use online store, and a full suite of floral gifts have established us as a community favorite, and we have been voted the best florist in Long Beach since 2011. Visit our locations in Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles to check out our floral creations in person.