Canada Post has unveiled two new stamp issues for the festive season, continuing a holiday tradition that began in 1964. This year’s releases, which debuted on Nov. 4, feature both a religious Christmas design and a secular holiday series.
The Christmas stamp showcases a vibrant illustration of the Holy Family, with Mary and Joseph gazing lovingly at the infant Jesus beneath a shining star that traditionally symbolizes the announcement of Jesus’s birth to the Magi. Created by designer Underline Studio and illustrator Amanda Arlotta, the stamp was printed by Lowe-Martin and is available in a booklet of 12 Permanent domestic-rate stamps. The Official First Day Cover (OFDC) for this stamp is canceled in Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, a nod to the town’s connection to the Holy Trinity.
Canada Post’s domestic holiday stamp features a cozy gingerbread birdhouse adorned with festive decorations, capturing the warmth of the season.
In addition to the Christmas design, Canada Post has also released a set of secular holiday stamps featuring whimsical gingerbread houses. The stamps depict a birdhouse (domestic rate), a doghouse (U.S. rate), and a barn housing Santa’s reindeer (international rate), evoking the cozy charm of gingerbread creations that have been part of holiday traditions since the 1700s. Gingerbread houses, which likely originated in Germany, have become a staple in Canadian holiday celebrations, with families and communities across the country participating in gingerbread-making activities each year.
This set was designed by Katina Constantinou of Sugar and features photography by Stacey Brandford, with the gingerbread baking and decorating by Zoë Weinrebe. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes booklets of domestic stamps, sheetlets for U.S. and international rates, a souvenir sheet, and an OFDC. The First Day Cover for this release is canceled in Kitchener, Ontario, chosen for its significant German heritage.
Canada Post stated that both stamp designs aim to capture the joy and warmth of the holiday season. The stamps and related collectibles are now available for purchase at canadapost.ca and in postal outlets across Canada.
The U.S. rate stamp showcases a delightful gingerbread doghouse, celebrating holiday traditions with a touch of whimsy.
The international stamp presents a gingerbread barn, home to Santa’s reindeer, evoking holiday magic with intricate details and seasonal charm.