Which Country Made the First Christmas Stamp?

A debate arises when trying to figure out which country came up with the first Christmas stamp. There is a Canadian stamp that says "XMAS 1898". One would think that this is the first, but researchers have found that it was actually made to mark the inauguration of the Imperial Penny Postage Rate on Christmas Day. The stamp is not Christmas themed. Instead it boasts a map It has been reported that this stamp was to be released on November 9th to honor the Prince of Wales. Queen Victoria's obvious annoyance with the stamp prompted the quick thinking of Mr. Mulock who quickly noted that it was instead made for "The Prince Of Peace".

In 1937, two stamps were issued by Austria that were billed as "Christmas Greeting Stamps". However; neither of these stamps bore a Christmas theme. One stamp was of a zodiac sign and one stamp was a rose. Brazil issued four semi-postal stamps in 1939. Semi postal stamps are stamps that are sold above the stamp value to raise money for a cause. These stamps were definitely Christmas themed, but they were not expressly made for the Christmas holiday.

In 1941, Hungary also issued a semi postal stamp, but these stamps additional fees were meant to pay for the "soldiers' Christmas" and should not be considered Christmas stamps.

It is widely believed that the first actual Christmas stamp was made by Hungry in 1943. It depicted a Nativity scene and it was expressly sold as a Christmas stamp.

England's Christmas Stamp Controversy

In November, England released 2 sets of first and second class Christmas stamps to the public. One set consists of two images of the Madonna and Child and the other set has six different angels. The problem is, not many people know that the traditional Christian stamps, the Madonna and Child, even exist.

As soon as the stamps went into circulation, complaints began to arise that the post offices were not advertising or promoting the new Christian stamp. Some places in England report that they had to ask for the Madonna and Child stamp by name, even as the angels were being offered up constantly to customers. Some customers believe that not promoting the Christian stamps were part of a plot to end the Christian Christmas stamp by erroneously proving that there is simply no public demand for them. There was no real explanation as to why there were tens of millions of Madonna and Child stamps printed while there were hundreds of millions of the secular-themed stamps.

The Post Office is trying to end the confusion and stop accusations that are being made as to why they have not put much effort into promoting their Christian stamps this year. In the past, the Royal Mail alternated Christian stamps and secular themed Christmas stamps every other year. This year, the stamp was supposed to be Christian based. It was announced this week that it was always the plan to run both stamps at Christmas this year. According to the Royal Mail, 2007 has served as the trial run for issuing both types of stamps from this year forward. Their spokesman denied that they are now bowing to public complaints and pressure by saying that "this was always the plan for these stamps".

Winter Wonderland

What celebrator of Christmas doesn’t light up at the thought the holidays coming? With just the single mention of the joyous day, our eyes suddenly light up at the twinkle of the green, red, and white lights, icing decorative patterns of swirls around the rooftops and windows of all the houses. The smell of sweet, icy smoke is pouring from every chimney. You see fathers and sons, bundled up in their winter coats and boots and gloves and scarves and hats, chopping wood for the fireplace, their breath dancing in the air, above their work. Inside of every kitchen, there are all sorts of holiday goodies baking in the oven—sugar cookies, gingerbread men, cinnamon apple turnovers, pumpkin pies, roasted turkeys, sweet potatoes—almost anything you could imagine. Christmas records play as mothers and daughters snuggle together by the fire, drinking hot cocoa and cider, reading “The Night Before Christmas,” and eagerly awaiting bedtime, when they’re to close their eyes and wait for Santa Claus and his reindeer to come clip-clopping on the rooftop. The anticipation of a present-filled Christmas morning is the magical tranquilizer for children, and it only works on Christmas Eve, and requires only a warm, cozy bed, a goodnight kiss, and a big plate of milk and cookies for Santa. Oh, Christmas, how we dream of you so.

Spread the joy of the holiday season to everyone you know with our French “Meilleurs Voeux” (Best Wishes) Winter Holidays collection. These self-adhesive stamps feature joyous little penguins, reindeer, snowmen, and polar bears, all enjoying the fun of a winter wonderland. You can get them here, and start mailing out your Christmas cards, beginning with your letter to Mr. Claus!