If you’ve ever wondered why florists suddenly seem to disappear into a cloud of winter greens, ribbon scraps, and delivery slips in December, you’re not imagining it. December is famously the busiest month of the year for flower shops, especially here in Irvine and Lake Forest, where holiday gatherings, office events, and seasonal decorating are practically a tradition.
There’s something about December that makes people want their spaces to feel warm, welcoming, and festive. Families hosting holiday dinners want centerpieces. Offices planning end-of-year events need something elegant for the tables. Friends and neighbors send thoughtful gifts that feel personal but not overwhelming. All of that builds up into what feels like a floral marathon.
The Overlapping Occasions
One major reason December gets intense is how many different occasions fall in the same month. Weddings still happen. Birthdays don’t pause. Sympathy arrangements continue to be needed. Then holiday parties get layered on top of everything else, which means designers often switch between completely different themes all day long.
Some mornings I’ve prepped a minimalist winter-white piece, a rich cranberry Christmas arrangement, a bright birthday bouquet, and a sympathy design, all before lunch. December has no “one style”; it’s a month of everything, all at once.
Behind the Scenes: What You Don’t See
Another part of the December rush happens behind the curtains.
Flower shipments move faster than any other month, and winter weather can cause unexpected delays. Popular holiday blooms, red roses, winter berries, lilies, alstroemeria, and premium greens, sell out quickly at the wholesale level. Every florist competes for the same seasonal favorites.
Delivery routes also fill up at record speed. Some days the team has so many stops across Irvine and Lake Forest that it feels like watching a relay race. Timing matters more in December because so many deliveries are tied to events or gatherings that can’t be rescheduled.
Why December Still Feels Meaningful
Despite the chaos, December fills the shop with stories. Every order is connected to a moment someone cares about:
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A family preparing to welcome guests
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A host trying to make their home feel extra special
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A friend sending comfort during a difficult time
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A company celebrating the year and their team
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A partner surprising someone “just because”
This is the part that never gets old. The busiest week of the year still feels magical when you see someone light up as their flowers arrive.
A Florist’s Best Advice for December Orders
The simplest way to make December florals stress-free is this: order early.
Giving your florist lead time means:
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better access to special blooms
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more room for customization
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a guaranteed delivery window
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fewer last-minute limitations caused by inventory or routing
December isn’t a month to gamble with timing; everything runs smoother when orders come in ahead of the rush.
The Month of Beautiful Chaos
December may be overwhelming, but it’s also one of the most rewarding times of the year in a flower shop. It’s a month full of emotion, celebration, and connection. And even in the busiest moments, that part always feels worth it.
