Jay Eibelheuser and his cross-country Christmas cactus.
Holly, ivy, mistletoe and the Christmas rose are popular. Ivy leaves symbolize eternity and resurrection—its leaf has been associated with the Egyptian God, Osiris, and the Greco- Roman God, Attis, (both of whom were reportedly resurrected from the dead.) Mistletoe is a Christmas plant whose origins date back to the Pagans. Druid priests used this plant in their winter celebrations.
One of my favorite gifts to send from a great catalog is the stunning amaryllis. The colors are not only cheerful, but amazing.
Plants and flowers bring joy when chosen in the spirit of the season!