by Carolyn Robertson posted in Mom Stories

"You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen..."
But odds are you don't want to name your baby after them.
If you're looking for a holiday-inspired baby name, but want to steer clear of the obvious choices -- names like Noel, Holly, Rudolph, and, well, Christmas -- there are plenty of beautiful but slightly more subtle options to choose from.
Maybe you're expecting a holiday baby (congratulations!), or maybe you're just crazy about this time of year (me too!). Whatever the reason, this list has you covered (and there's not a reindeer among them, I promise).

1. The holidays and The Nutcracker go hand in hand. Clara is the name of the main character in the ever-popular ballet. (Photo: BabyCenter/khazell)
2. As in Crosby. (Come to think of it, Crosby is a great choice, too.) The crooner's version of "White Christmas" has sold over 100 million copies around, and the movie is a Christmas classic as well. (Photo: BabyCenter/jerseytexan)

3. Meaning "Born on Christmas," the Latin name Natalia would be a perfect pick for a December 25th baby. (Photo: BabyCenter/kchughes21)

4. This pick is inspired by, in my humble opinion, the greatest holiday movie in history. Who could forget the moment when George Bailey discovers his adorable daughter Zuzu's flower petals tucked into his pocket at the end of It's a Wonderful Life" (Photo: BabyCenter/briggitefashion)

5. "Every time a bell rings, an ang...