Santa Stamps

The tradition of Saint Nicholas' Day, celebrated on December 6th (December 19th in most Orthodox countries), is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of Saint Nicholas, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive from these legends. Here are images of a the two similar stamps in a set depicting Old Saint Nick and his sleigh, designed and engraved by Pierre Forget, and issued by Monaco in November, 1977 in time for Christmas, Scott Nos. 1082 & 1083.

- nethryk

Hi Nethryk, Thanks for reminding me to add to this thread today. These two images of recent stamps illustrate how great the differences between the traditions of Saint Nikolaus and Santa Claus, as you mentioned, are. The Monaco stamps are unique because it's not so easy even to see whether Nicolaus has horses or reindeer for his sleigh.

Here are images of the two similar stamps in a set depicting Santa Claus and a sprig of holly, and issued by Cuba on December 15, 1954 for Christmas, Scott Nos. 532 & 533.

- nethryk

United States
Christmas
October 13, 2012
The Santa and Sleigh block of four was the work of artist Paul Rogers. It features a classic image of Santa and his reindeer circling around snow-covered rooftops.

Canada
Christmas - Santa Claus
October 23, 2014
The Santa stamps were designed by Hélène L'Heureux and illustrated by Christiane Beauregard.

Gibraltar
Christmas - St. Nicholas
November 2, 2006
The five designs are from the Nancy Rosin Collection.

United States
Christmas - Season's Greetings
October 28, 1983
Santa Claus with gifts
(designed by Bradbury Thompson)

Here is a cookie decorated as Santa, one of a set of 4 Christmas cookies issued in 2005 (US #3949-3952 sheet version, #3953-3956 booklet version, also #3957-3960 smaller size).

This is a block of 4 different ornaments in the shape of Santa, issued in 2004 (US #3883-3886 sheet version, #3887-3890 booklet version, also #3891-3894 smaller size).

Here is the Santa stamp from 2014, US #4948. It is part of a set featuring characters from the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television special which premiered in 1964.




I can't resist also posting my favorite copy of the Rudolph stamp #4946.

Finland
Christmas
November 3, 1995
Santa with ice skates

Belgium
Christmas
December 3, 1994
Santa Claus delivers presents.

Serbia
New Year
December 1, 2006
The design features Santa Claus and presents, with sleigh in the background.

Poland
Christmas
November 27, 1996
Santa Claus on an one-horse open sleigh.
(artist: J. Brodowski)

Lebanon
Christmas
November 12, 2012
Decorated Christmas tree, Santa Claus with pressent.