
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been issuing Christmas-themed Forever Stamps since 1996. These stamps have become a beloved tradition for many.
The first Christmas Forever Stamp, issued in 1996, featured a painting by artist Dan Alvarado. This stamp marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition.
The USPS has since released many more Christmas-themed Forever Stamps, each with its own unique design and artwork. These stamps have become highly collectible and are sought after by philatelists and holiday enthusiasts alike.
The designs of these stamps often feature iconic winter scenes, festive imagery, and traditional holiday symbols. They are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday mail.
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About This Stamp
The Christmas Madonna and Child Forever stamp is a beautiful addition to the Postal Service's collection. It features the serene Madonna and Child from the workshop of 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi, called "Sassoferrato".
This artwork is a modestly scaled depiction of the Madonna and Child, a style that was popular among Sassoferrato's works. The stamp is a reproduction of a painting from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

The artwork showcases a watchful Madonna, her head tilted toward the sleeping Christ child, with a blue cloak and a dark red gown. A beige veil covers part of her light brown hair, and her child appears partially swaddled in beige cloth.
The Christmas Madonna and Child stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, which means it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. You can purchase this stamp in booklets of 20, designed by Greg Breeding.
What is a Forever Stamp
A Forever Stamp is a type of postage stamp that can be used to mail a one-ounce letter anywhere in the United States, regardless of the distance.
They were introduced in 2007 to simplify the process of mailing letters and to provide a consistent price for postage.
One of the key benefits of Forever Stamps is that they can be used for future mailings, even if the postage rates increase.
They are available in various denominations, including the standard first-class rate of $0.55.
You can use Forever Stamps to mail a variety of items, including letters, postcards, and even packages weighing up to one pound.
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Features and Benefits

This stamp features a beautiful portrait of a notable figure.
The stamp showcases a high-quality image with vibrant colors and precise details.
One of the main features of this stamp is its unique security thread that glows under UV light.
This thread provides an additional layer of security and authenticity to the stamp.
The stamp's design also includes a microprinting of the country's name in a small font size.
This microprinting is nearly impossible to reproduce, making the stamp even more secure.
The stamp's size is standard, measuring 2.5 x 1.5 inches, making it easy to use in any standard mailbox.
Stamp Stories
Stamp Stories are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The newest stamps celebrating winter traditions and holidays are a must-see.
These stamps showcase festive scenes and symbols that evoke a sense of joy and wonder. You can use them to send a special message to loved ones during the holiday season.
Some of these stamps feature iconic winter scenes, while others highlight specific holidays. For example, you can find stamps celebrating Christmas, New Year's, and even Hanukkah.
Here are some of the newest stamps celebrating winter traditions and holidays:
- Explore the newest stamps celebrating winter traditions and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 2 year old Christmas stamps?
Yes, you can use 2-year-old Christmas stamps as long as they are valid for postage and have not been canceled. However, their total value must still meet or exceed the current postage rate.
Do holiday stamps cost more than regular stamps?
No, Holiday Joy stamps have the same value as regular stamps, as they are issued as Forever stamps. This means their value is always equal to the current First-Class Mail rate.
Sources
- https://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2015/pr15_051.htm
- https://www.stampsforever.com/stamps/christmas-madonna-and-child
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2024/0914-usps-unveils-festive-holiday-stamps-at-national-postal-museum.htm
- https://stamp4ever.com/products/christmas-stamps-mixed
- https://www.wixusps.com/collections/christmas-stamps
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