History of Christmas Holiday Stamps: 4 Things Must now

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition for many people around the world. One of the ways that people express their festive spirit is by sending greeting cards to their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. And what better way to adorn these cards than with colorful and festive Christmas Holiday stamps that capture the essence of the season?

In this article, we will explore the history of Christmas holiday stamps in the United States, from their origins in 1962 to their latest designs in 2023. We will also compare the different options available for buying and collecting these stamps, and why The USPS Stamps is the best choice for your holiday stamp needs.

The First Christmas Holiday Stamp

The U.S. Post Office Department issued its first Christmas stamp in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 1, 1962. Customers had requested such a stamp for years, and the department anticipated a huge demand for the new stamp. The department ordered 500 million printed — the largest number produced for a special stamp until that time.

The green and red four-cent stamps featured a wreath, two candles, and the words “Christmas 1962”. The initial supply sold out quickly and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began working around-the-clock to print more. By the end of 1962, nearly 862 million of the stamps had been printed and distributed.

The decision to print a Christmas stamp generated some controversy, especially from groups concerned about maintaining the separation of church and state. Legal actions to bar the stamps were not successful. During the stamp dedication ceremony, Postmaster General J. Edward Day said that the stamp would be the first in a series of Christmas stamps.

The Evolution of Christmas Holiday Stamps

Since 1962, the U.S. Postal Service has issued a variety of Christmas stamps every year, featuring different themes, designs, and denominations. Some of the themes include:

• Religious: These stamps depict scenes or symbols related to the Christian faith, such as Madonna and Child, Nativity, Angel Gabriel, Holy Family, etc. These stamps are usually labeled as “Holiday Traditional” or “Christmas Traditional”.
• Secular: These stamps depict scenes or symbols related to the cultural or seasonal aspects of Christmas, such as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, ornaments, toys, etc. These stamps are usually labeled as “Holiday Contemporary” or “Christmas Contemporary”.
• Multicultural: These stamps celebrate other holidays that occur around the same time as Christmas, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. These stamps feature symbols or words related to these holidays, such as menorahs, dreidels, kinara candles, etc.

The designs of these stamps have varied from simple illustrations to elaborate paintings, from realistic to stylized representations, from traditional to modern styles. Some of the sources of inspiration for these designs include:

• Artworks: Many stamps have been modeled after famous paintings or sculptures by renowned artists, such as Hans Memling, Jan van Eyck, Lorenzo Lotto, etc. These artworks are usually part of the collections of museums or galleries in the U.S., such as the National Gallery of Art or the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Folk Art: Some stamps have been inspired by folk art forms or objects that reflect the diversity and creativity of American culture, such as weather vanes, quilts, pottery, etc. These folk art forms or objects are usually part of the collections of historical societies or museums in the U.S., such as the New York State Historical Association or the Smithsonian Institution.
• Original Art: Some stamps have been created by original artists commissioned by the Postal Service or selected through contests or public votes. These artists have used various techniques and media to create their designs, such as watercolor, oil painting, collage, photography, digital art, etc.

The denominations of these stamps have also changed over time to reflect the changes in postage rates and inflation. Some of these stamps have been non-denominated (meaning they do not show a specific value) but have been valid for a certain class or weight of mail. Some examples are:

• A (15 cents) issued in 1978
• B (18 cents) issued in 1981
• C (20 cents) issued in 1981
• D (22 cents) issued in 1985
• E (25 cents) issued in 1988
• F (29 cents) issued in 1991
• G (32 cents) issued in 1994
• H (33 cents) issued in 1999
• (37 cents) issued in 2002
• (39 cents) issued in 2006
• (41 cents) issued in 2007
• (42 cents) issued in 2008
• (44 cents) issued in 2009
• (45 cents) issued in 2012
• (46 cents) issued in 2013
• (49 cents) issued in 2014
• (50 cents) issued in 2018
• Forever (current first-class rate) issued since 2011

The Latest Christmas Holiday Stamps

In 2023, the U.S. Postal Service will issue two new Christmas stamps: one for the Holiday Traditional category and one for the Holiday Contemporary category. These stamps will be available in booklets of 20 and coils of 100, and will have the Forever denomination.

The Holiday Traditional stamp will feature a painting of the Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli, a famous Italian Renaissance artist. The painting shows the three wise men kneeling before the infant Jesus, who is held by Mary, while Joseph stands behind them. The painting is part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

The Holiday Contemporary stamp will feature a photograph of a gingerbread house decorated with candy and frosting. The photograph was taken by Sally Andersen-Bruce, a professional photographer who has created many stamp designs for the Postal Service. The gingerbread house was made by Teresa Layman, a gingerbread artist who has won several awards for her creations.

The Best Place to Buy Christmas Holiday Stamps

If you are looking for a convenient and reliable way to buy Christmas stamps, you have several options to choose from. You can buy them online from the Postal Store at USPS.com, where you can also find other holiday-themed products and gifts. You can also buy them from authorized resellers such as Amazon or eBay, where you can find a variety of stamps from different years and categories. You can also buy them from your local Post Office or other retail locations that sell stamps, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or office supply stores.

However, if you are looking for the best place to buy Christmas stamps, you should consider The USPS Stamps, a website that specializes in selling holiday stamps and other postal products. Here are some of the reasons why The USPS Stamps is the best choice for your holiday stamp needs:

• Selection: The USPS Stamps offers a wide range of Christmas stamps from different years and categories, as well as other holiday stamps such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. You can find stamps that suit your personal taste and style, whether you prefer religious or secular themes, traditional or contemporary designs, or artworks or original art.
• Quality: The USPS Stamps guarantees that all the stamps they sell are authentic and in mint condition. They also use high-quality packaging materials and shipping methods to ensure that your stamps arrive safely and securely.
• Price: The USPS Stamps offers competitive prices for their stamps, as well as discounts and promotions for bulk orders and loyal customers. They also offer free shipping for All orders and a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
• Service: The USPS Stamps provides excellent customer service and support for their customers. They have a friendly and knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions and help you with your orders. They also have a fast and easy checkout process and a secure payment system that accepts various methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
• Satisfaction: The USPS Stamps aims to provide you with a satisfying and enjoyable shopping experience. They value your feedback and suggestions and strive to improve their products and services based on your needs and preferences. They also appreciate your loyalty and trust and reward you with special offers and benefits.

So, if you are looking for the best place to buy Christmas stamps, look no further than The USPS Stamps. Visit their website today and browse their amazing collection of holiday stamps. You will surely find something that will make your cards more festive and memorable this season.

Happy holidays!