Holiday Elves Forever Stamp 2022
Celebrating Santa's Elves with Christmas Stamps
Honoring Santa's Magical Helpers
These stamps celebrate Santa??s elves, the enchanting beings who assist him in crafting presents for children around the globe. They are a part of the Contemporary Christmas series.
Purpose of Issuance
The stamps were issued to honor Santa and his hardworking elves, pivotal characters in the cherished non-religious Christmas narrative.
Stamp Designs
Each stamp features a vibrant digital illustration by Don Clark, depicting elves wrapping gifts and assembling toys on a conveyor belt with a snowy forest as the backdrop.
First Day City
The First Day of Issue Ceremony took place at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska.
The Contemporary Christmas Series
The US first introduced a Christmas stamp on November 1, 1962, showcasing a wreath and candles. The initial print run of 350 million stamps quickly sold out due to overwhelming popularity, leading to a total issuance of over 860 million by year's end.
In 1966, the Post Office began issuing stamps with traditional Christmas themes like the Madonna and Child. By 1969, they reverted to non-religious themes with a stamp featuring the painting "Winter Sunday in Norway, Maine." In 1970, the Post Office decided to cater to all preferences by issuing both Traditional and Contemporary Christmas stamps, a practice that continues to this day.
Historical Significance
The lore of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas dates back centuries, but the concept of elves as Santa??s helpers is relatively modern. Louisa May Alcott is thought to have first mentioned these elves in her unpublished 1850 book, "Christmas Elves." In 1857, Harper??s Weekly featured a poem titled ??The Wonders of Santa Claus,?? which described elves making toys, cakes, and sugar-plums for children.
The idea gained traction, and in 1873, Godey??s Lady??s Book showcased one of the earliest illustrations of Santa with his elves. Austin Thompson??s 1876 book, "The House of Santa Claus," and Norman Rockwell??s 1920s paintings further popularized the concept. By 1964, the elves had made their way to the big screen in the film "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," featuring Hermey the elf.
The 2000s saw a resurgence in elf popularity with the "Elf on a Shelf" tradition. These dolls, inspired by a family tradition, visit homes during the holiday season to observe children and report back to Santa.
These stamps not only celebrate the magic of Christmas but also highlight the rich history and evolving traditions surrounding Santa and his elves.
