
Holiday stamps have been a part of American tradition since 1869, when the US Post Office issued its first Christmas stamp.
The idea of combining stamps with stories was first introduced in 1942, with the release of the "Winter Scenes" series, featuring illustrations of snow-covered landscapes and winter activities.
Each year, the USPS releases a new set of holiday stamps, often with a unique theme or design. In 2019, the "Kwanzaa" stamp was released, marking the first time a Kwanzaa stamp had been issued.
The stamps are not only a fun way to send holiday mail, but they also provide a glimpse into American culture and traditions.
About the Holiday Stamps
The holiday season is here, and the U.S. Postal Service has released four festive stamps inspired by folk art. These stamps are a great way to add some personality to your holiday mailings.
The stamps feature unique images of holiday decor, including glass ornaments and a vibrant poinsettia surrounded by greenery. The poinsettia, native to Mexico, has been associated with Christmas in the United States since the 19th century and is one of the most popular potted plants here, with over 34 million sold each year.
The stamps were designed by art director Antonio Alcalá and feature original digital illustrations by Michelle Muñoz, who drew inspiration from Christmas, vintage ornaments, and Mexican folk art. The color palette is a lovely mix of red, green, blue, pink, yellow, and white.
Here's a brief rundown of the stamps:
Whether you're sending holiday cards or gifts, these stamps are a great way to add some festive flair to your mail.
Stamp Information
The U.S. Postal Service has released four festive stamps for the 2024 holiday season. These stamps are sure to add a touch of personality to your holiday mailings.
Illustrator Michelle Muñoz was the mastermind behind the unique images on the stamps. She drew inspiration from Christmas, vintage ornaments, and Mexican folk art.
The stamps feature a color palette of red, green, blue, pink, yellow, and white. This palette is a perfect blend of traditional holiday colors.
Glass ornaments have been a staple of holiday decor for over a century. They originated in Germany in the mid-1800s and have since spread to many countries, including the United States.
The iconic poinsettia is also featured on the stamps. Unlike other holiday tree ornaments, the poinsettia is native to Mexico, where it can grow up to 10 feet tall.
Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps using original digital illustrations by Michelle Muñoz.
Stamp Stories and History
The U.S. Postal Service has released four new stamps celebrating the holiday season. These stamps feature folk art-inspired designs, including glass ornaments and a vibrant poinsettia.
The poinsettia, native to Mexico, is one of the most popular potted plants in the United States, with over 34 million sold each year. It's been associated with Christmas in the US since the 19th century.
The stamps also feature two traditionally shaped ornaments ready to hang, a whimsical blue flower, and delicate scrollwork.
Festive Stamps at National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum has an impressive collection of festive stamps that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Some of these stamps feature traditional Christmas scenes, like the 1901 Christmas stamp from Sweden, which depicts a festive forest.
In the United States, the Postal Service has been issuing holiday-themed stamps since 1962, starting with a Christmas stamp featuring a picture of a Christmas tree.
One of the most popular holiday stamps is the 1992 Christmas stamp featuring a picture of a wreath, which was designed by artist Robert Raible.
The National Postal Museum also has a collection of stamps from around the world that feature unique and imaginative holiday scenes.
Stamp Stories
Stamp Stories is a fascinating topic, and I'm excited to share some interesting facts with you. The Israeli stamp celebrating Hanukkah features a multi-colored menorah design by Hannah Smotrich, a graduate of the Yale School of Art.
The Israeli stamp was a unique feature, as it was the country's first self-adhesive stamp. This innovation made it easier to use and apply. The stamp was part of a larger issue that included a first-day cover and a souvenir sheet.
The United States Postal Service also issued a Hanukkah stamp in 2004, featuring a photograph of a dreidel. The dreidel shown on the stamp was purchased in Jerusalem by an American couple. This stamp was first issued on October 15 in New York.
The Hanukkah stamp was reissued several times, with the price increasing each year. In 2006, it was 39 cents, in 2007 it was 41 cents, and in 2008 it was 42 cents.
Sources
- https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2024/0914-usps-unveils-festive-holiday-stamps-at-national-postal-museum.htm
- https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps-postal-history/poinsettia-on-new-usps-holiday-postage-label
- https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2010/06/06/stamp-honoring-muslim-holiday-predates-obama/15943305007/
- https://www.stampsforever.com/stamps/holiday-joy
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holiday_stamp
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