Australia Post has issued Christmas stamps every year since 1957, and again this year we present both religious and secular themes.
Christmas time is the season for joyous celebration and goodwill, and this year’s Christmas stamp designs convey greetings based on the traditional religious story of the birth of Christ and also on modern designs featuring familiar trappings of the festive season.
The religious stamps include a colourful and joyful interpretation of the traditional Biblical story. Designed by Melbourne-based artist Sonia Kretschsmar, the minisheet from this issues represents the scene shortly after the birth of Christ.
The tiny baby lies in his manger, surrounded by Mary and Joseph and the adoring animals. An owl gravely observes the scene from the rafters above.
To the right, the three wise men, also called Magi or kings, have arrived from the east on their camels searching for the Saviour. They find the Christ Child by following a guiding star, and on arrival offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A scarlet angel announces the arrival of the wise men with a triumphant trumpet fanfare.
Not all who observe the celebration of Christmas are Christians, and the other three stamps are designed to appeal to those who prefer a more secular celebration.
For many, Christmas is foremost a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on the year past. It's also an opportunity to show forgiveness, peace and reconciliation, to demonstrate love for those dear to us, and to enjoy a holiday break. The two designs, by John White of the Australia Post Design Studio, represent the symbolic dove of peace and, as a gesture of generosity and love, a wrapped gift.
The stamp issue comprises three domestic Christmas-rate (65 cent) stamps (green dove, gift and nativity scene) and two international-rate stamps ($1.70 blue dove and $2.55 three wise men).
Other associated products include a stamp pack, first day cover, maxicards, minisheet, sheetlets of five $1.70 and $2.55 self-adhesive stamps, booklets of 20 x 65c nativity and 20 x 65c gift and green dove self-adhesive stamps, and an embellished sheetlet pack comprising two sheetlets of 10 x 65c (embellished gift and foiled green dove) self-adhesive stamps.
The 2015 Christmas stamp issue is available online (while stocks last) and also at participating post offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794.
Designer
Religious - Sonia Kretschmar
Secular - John White, Australia Post Design Studio
Technical specifications
- Issue date
- 31 October 2016
- Issue withdrawal date
- 30 April 2016
- Denominations
- Nativity 1 x 65c and $2.55 Sec 2 x 65c (set) $1.70
- Stamp design
- Religious - Sonia Kretschmar; Secular - John White, Australia Post Design Studio
- Product design
- John White, Australia Post Design Studio
- Printer - gummed
- Religious - McKeller; Secular - EGO
- Paper - gummed
- Tullis Russell
- Paper - self-adhesive
- Religious - C100; Secular - B100
- Printing process
- Lithography
- Stamp size
- 26mm x 37.5mm
- Minisheet size
- 130mm x 80mm
- Perforations
- 14.60 x 13.86
- Sheet layout
- Module of 50
- FDI postmark
- Merrylands, NSW 2160
- FDI withdrawal date
- 28 November 2015
This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.
