Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and sending greetings to your loved ones. But do you know how to use Christmas postage stamps properly? If not, don’t worry. This article will teach you everything you need to know about these festive stamps, from how much they cost, to what designs are available, to how to buy them online or offline.
What are Christmas Postage Stamps?
Christmas postage stamps are special stamps issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) every year for the holiday season. They feature various themes and images related to Christmas, such as Santa Claus, snowmen, angels, nativity scenes, and more. They are also known as Forever Stamps, which means that they can be used to mail First-Class letters no matter what the postal rate is at the time of mailing.
How Much are Christmas Postage Stamps in 2023?
The price of Christmas postage stamps in 2023 is the same as the regular Forever Stamps, which is $0.66 for a one-ounce letter. However, if your letter weighs more than one ounce, you will need to pay an additional $0.24 for each extra ounce. You can also use Christmas postage stamps for international mail, but the rates vary depending on the destination and weight of your package.
What are the Most Popular Christmas Stamps Designs in 2023?
The USPS offers a variety of Christmas postage stamps designs every year, and some of them are more popular than others. Here are five of the most sought-after designs in 2023:
- Snowy Beauty: This design features four different snowflakes in blue and white colors, each with a unique pattern and shape. They symbolize the beauty and diversity of nature and winter.
- Holiday Elves: This design features four cheerful elves in red and green outfits, each holding a different gift or decoration. They represent the spirit of giving and fun during the holidays.
- Virgin and Child: This design features a painting by Italian artist Lorenzo Monaco from the 15th century, depicting Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. It reflects the religious meaning and tradition of Christmas.
- Kwanzaa: This design features a colorful image of a woman holding a bowl of fruits and vegetables, surrounded by seven candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It celebrates the African-American cultural festival that takes place from December 26 to January 1.
- Lunar New Year: Year of the Tiger: This design features a stylized image of a tiger in orange and black colors, with Chinese characters for “tiger” and “year” on the sides. It commemorates the Lunar New Year that begins on February 1, 2023, and marks the start of the Year of the Tiger.
What are Some Tips for Using Christmas Postage Stamps?
Here are some tips for using Christmas postage stamps effectively and efficiently:
- Plan ahead: The USPS advises customers to mail their cards and packages as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure delivery before Christmas. The recommended mailing dates for domestic mail are December 15 for USPS Ground Advantage™, December 17 for First-Class Mail®, December 18 for Priority Mail®, and December 23 for Priority Mail Express®. The recommended mailing dates for international mail vary by country and service, but generally range from November 26 to December 18.
- Weigh and measure: To avoid surcharges or returned mail, make sure you weigh and measure your items carefully before affixing your stamps. You can use a digital scale and a ruler or tape measure to get accurate results. You can also use the USPS online calculator to determine how much postage you need based on your destination, weight, and dimensions.
- Choose wisely: Depending on your budget, preferences, and recipients, you may want to choose different designs of Christmas postage stamps for different purposes. For example, you may want to use religious-themed stamps for your church or family members, cultural-themed stamps for your friends or colleagues from different backgrounds, or fun-themed stamps for your kids or grandchildren.
- Be creative: You can also use Christmas postage stamps to decorate your cards and packages in various ways. For example, you can arrange them in patterns or shapes, mix and match them with other stickers or labels, or add some glitter or ribbon to make them stand out.
- Save money: You can save money by buying your Christmas postage stamps online or in bulk. You can buy them online from USPS.com®, Amazon.com®, eBay.com®, or Theuspsstamps.com®, where you can also find discounts, deals, and free shipping options. You can also buy them in bulk from Post Office™ locations or other authorized retailers, where you can get rolls or sheets of 100 or more stamps at a lower price per stamp.
How to Buy Christmas Forever Stamps Online or Offline?
There are many ways to buy Christmas postage stamps, both online and offline. Here is a comparison table of five common methods, with their pros and cons, as well as their delivery time and price:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Delivery Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS.com® | – Convenient and secure – Wide selection of designs – Free shipping on orders of $50 or more – Trackable delivery – Can print labels at home or use QR codes at Post Office™ locations | – May run out of stock of some designs – May take longer to deliver than other online options – Need a credit card or PayPal account to pay | 1-5 business days | $0.66 for a one-ounce letter |
| Amazon.com® | – Fast and reliable – Prime members get free two-day shipping – Can use gift cards or rewards points to pay – Can read reviews and ratings of sellers and products | – May charge higher prices than other online options – May not have all the designs available – Need an Amazon account to order | 1-2 business days for Prime members, 5-7 business days for non-Prime members | From $0.70 for a one-ounce letter |
| eBay.com® | – Competitive and flexible – Can bid on auctions or buy it now – Can find rare or vintage stamps – Can use PayPal or other payment methods | – May encounter fraudulent or unreliable sellers – May have to pay extra fees or shipping costs – Need an eBay account to order | Varies by seller and service chosen, Always Slow | Varies by seller and auction price |
| TheUSPSstamps.com® | – Specialized and dedicated – Only sells USPS stamps and related products – Offers discounts and coupons regularly – Has a loyalty program and a referral program | – May have limited inventory or availability of some designs – May not have the latest Designs | 3-5 business days | $0.33- $0.60 for a one-ounce letter |
| Post Office™ locations | – Easy and accessible – Can buy stamps in person or use self-service kiosks – Can get advice and assistance from postal workers – Can use cash or other payment methods | – May have long lines or wait times – May have limited hours or locations – May not have all the designs in stock | Same day if you mail your package at the Post Office™ location | $0.66 for a one-ounce letter1 |
As you can see, there are pros and cons for each method of buying Christmas postage stamps. You should choose the one that suits your needs, preferences, and budget best. If you are not in hurry, you should buy stamps online, The USPS Stamps is a better choice. If you are in hurry, you should buy postage stamps near you.
When to Buy Christmas Postage Stamps in 2023?
If you want to send your Christmas greetings on time and avoid the hassle of running out of stamps, you should buy your Christmas postage stamps as early as possible. Here are some reasons why:
- You need time to prepare your cards and packages. Writing thoughtful messages, choosing the right designs, and wrapping your gifts can take some time and effort. You don’t want to rush this process or compromise on quality.
- You need time to mail your items. Depending on the method and destination of your mail, it can take anywhere from one to five business days or more for your items to reach their recipients. You don’t want to miss the deadlines or risk losing your mail in transit.
- You may face a shortage of stamps in November. The USPS usually releases its Christmas postage stamps in October, but they can sell out quickly due to high demand. You don’t want to settle for less or pay more for your stamps.
Therefore, it is advisable to buy your Christmas postage stamps in October or early November, before the holiday rush begins. This way, you can ensure that you have enough stamps for your needs, and that you can send your cards and packages with peace of mind.
Read More
Pingback: How to Make Invitation with Wedding Stamps USPS 2023 ❤️