Holly is special because the early church leaders wanted to wipe out pagan myths. The red berries represent the blood of Christ and the green represents eternal life.
It is also believed to bring good luck.
In the pagan culture, Holly was the sacred plant of Saturn and was used at the Roman Saturnalia festival to honor him. The Romans gave one another Holly wreaths and the holly was used for folk medicines. To avoid persecution during the Roman Pagan festivals Christians decked their homes with Holly.
The Celtic Druids wore sprigs of Holly in their hair.
As the Christian numbers increased the custom prevailed and Holly and Mistletoe lost their pagan associations and became symbols of Christmas. Holly later caught on with the Christians, whom used it as a tool to teach about Christ life and love.