This year’s Christmas issue includes two stamps with a religious theme and three that focus on the more secular elements of Christmas.

The beautiful religious stamps show two episodes from the Biblical story. In the 55c stamp the Virgin Mary, dressed in her traditional deep blue robe, gazes tenderly at the newborn baby Jesus. In the $1.50 stamp, the three Kings or Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, are shown journeying from the east to Bethlehem in order to worship the Christ Child. They are dressed in rich robes as befi ts their royal station. The guiding star can be seen in the night sky.

The three secular stamps offer an alternative to those who celebrate the festive season but who would prefer not to focus on the religious aspect of Christmas. Many Australians identify Christmas with the Christmas tree and the excitement of opening elaborately wrapped presents early on Christmas morning. The decorative Christmas star is a reference to the bright star that the Wise Men followed from the east.

Issue highlights.
This issue includes the first Christmas PNC from Australia Post and two embellished sheetlets of 10 stamps.

Technical details

• Issue date: 31 October 2011
• Issue withdrawal date: 30 April 2012
• FDI withdrawal date: 28 November 2011
• Denominations: 3 x 55c, 1 x 60c, 1 x $1.50
• Stamp illustration: Gavin Ryan
• Stamp and product design: Jo Muré
• Printer: McKellar Renown/Pamara
• Paper – gummed: Tullis Russell
• Paper – s/a: B100
• Printing process: Lithography
• Stamp size: 37.5mm x 26mm, 26mm x 37.5mm
• Perforations: 13.86 x 14.6, 14.6 x 13.86
• Sheet layout: Two panes of 25
• National postmark: Christmas Hills/Yarra Glen, VIC 377

published November 3rd, 2011