On November 6, Canada Post unveiled four new stamps to celebrate the Christmas season, reviving a tradition that dates back to 1964. This year's stamps blend both sacred and secular themes, with a permanent-rate stamp depicting a Nativity scene featuring Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, along with the Magi in the background and an angel by the star of Bethlehem. This religious-themed stamp, currently priced at $1.24, was illustrated by Bex Morley and designed by Sputnik Design Partners Inc.
The secular offering, titled "Holiday Tinsel Tales," consists of three stamps showcasing woodland animals engaged in festive activities. The domestic-rate stamp illustrates a fox in a scarf decorating a pine tree, while the $1.75 stamp for U.S. letters features two squirrels in winter attire and the $3.65 stamp for international letters depicts a rabbit adorning tree branches. These designs are part of a souvenir sheet that showcases decorated pine trees against a night sky background and were created by designer Kristine Do and illustrator Alexandra Finkeldey.
Stamp collectors should note that the stamps were issued in various quantities, including 250,000 Christmas booklets and 800,000 booklets for the Holiday Tinsel Tales permanent-rate stamp. Additionally, due to changes in U.S. Customs regulations, customers in the United States are currently unable to purchase these stamps from Canada Post. For further details, collectors can refer to the original article, available here.