Christmas Around The World 2019

New Year and Christmas in Russia are two different holidays (there is also the old New Year!) Exactly, this is a big deal! Therefore, there are a lot of stamps dedicated to Christmas and New Year in Russia.
Russian "Ded Moroz"(Grandfather Frost) is the personified forces of the harsh Russian winter and cold.



Many people think that this is an ancient deity that disappeared after the baptism of Russia



But this is not so. Ded Moroz was invented by the Russian writer Odoewsky in 1840



Later, his image was used by another author, Ostrovsky. He wrote a Christmas fairy tale "Snegurothka" (Snow Maiden)



This snowy girl, the granddaughter of Ded Moroz melted from love for man. This story became the basis for the opera of Rimsky-Korsakov




Since then, this duet has become a constant participant in the New Year holidays.



The image of "Ded Moroz" has some features from Santa Claus (very respected in Russia, St. Nicholas)





Ukrainian Ded Moroz is especially like him





and Ded Morozes in other Slavic peoples





but modernity is making its adjustments and Ded Moroz is changing with time





Modern Russian Santa Claus is the keeper of traditions (no deer and hang gliders), he rides only three horses




He puts the children gifts from the bag under the Christmas tree (does not throw them into the chimney)





In the old city of Veliky Ustyug, Ded Moroz has a headquarters and a special post office

Brazil
Natal
November 25, 2019
Christmas Eve, family, shooting star

Romania.
Special souvenir sheet with two imperf stamps.


Luxembourg,December 3
Christmas tree

Italy
Santo Natale
December 2, 2019
Madonna con Bambino, San Giovannino e San Girolamo by Francesco Raibolini (ca. 1447-1517)
Santa Claus holding a Christmas tree by Giorgio Cavazzano

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croatia)
Christmas
December 1, 2019
The stamp depicts Nativity.

North Macedonia
Christmas
December 4, 2019
Mural Madonna and Child

Niue
Christmas
December 4, 2019
The block of four stamps depict Nativity scenes.

Tokelau
Christmas
December 4, 2019
The stamp set features tuluma (wooden boxes used by fishermen) in their various forms, embellished with a whimsical Christmas sparkle.

Philippines Islands
Children and angels singing :
"Happy Christmas"

Sri Lanka
With a Nativity scene

Pitcairn Islands
Christmas
December 4, 2019
The strip of three stamps depict Angels over Pitcairn.