As in Moldova and Russia, Christmas in Belarus often takes second place to New Year’s Eve celebrations, a holdover from Soviet times when ideology demanded the abandonment of “Western” and religious holidays. However, Belarus does have a historical connection with Christmas, and the observance has become increasingly popular. Even if New Year’s is the bigger … Continue reading Happy New Year 2023: Belarus
2022 Stamps
Happy New Year 2023: Moldova
Much like Russia, the ex-Soviet republic of Moldova celebrates New Year on December 31/January 1 on a large scale with a much more muted Christmas on January 7. However, in recent years, more people in Moldova -- especially the young -- have started to celebrate Christmas on December 25 like most Christians around the world. … Continue reading Happy New Year 2023: Moldova
Happy New Year 2023: Russia
№ 2022-121/5 -- November 7, 2022 № 2022-122/5 -- November 7, 2022 № 2022-123/5 -- November 7, 2022 In Russia, New Year is a a much bigger holiday than Christmas. Since Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, most people work until December 30 without any particular interruptions, except for New Year corporate parties – … Continue reading Happy New Year 2023: Russia
Christmas Stamps 2022: Best of the Rest
Over the past several months, I have posted about the 2022 Christmas stamps issued by 15 different postal entities. This article contains images of those that I liked the designs for but never had the time to dedicate a full blog about. If you have favorites that were not included in this year's series, please … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Best of the Rest
Christmas Stamps 2022: Ukraine – “Carol of the Bells”
In late 2013, I heard a version of "Carol of the Bells" performed by the British rock band Marillion. I immediately fell in love with every aspect of the song and it soon surpassed "Silent Night" as my favorite Christmas song. Last night, I was both surprised and delighted when I returned home from work … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Ukraine – “Carol of the Bells”
Christmas Stamps 2022: Ukraine – “Victorious New Year!”
Released on December 19, 2022, this issue from Ukraine more accurately commemorates St. Nicholas Day than Christmas and its official Ukrainian Postal Service (Ukrposhta/Укрпошта) title is "Victorious New Year!" («Переможного Нового року!»). St. Nicholas maximum card bearing Scott #1192 (issued on December 19, 2018) and postmarked on St. Nicholas Day, December 19, 2022, in Kyiv. … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Ukraine – “Victorious New Year!”
Christmas Stamps 2022: Andorra
On November 7, LaPoste of France and Correos of Spain each issued a single stamp marking Christmas 2022 for the Principality of Andorra. Both postal administrations issue their own postage stamps for use in Andorra featuring unique designs, as those of Spain and France are not valid. Andorra a sovereign landlocked microstate on the Iberian … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Andorra
Christmas Stamps 2022: Finland
Posti Finland issued two "Winter Light" and three Christmas stamps for 2022 on November 9. According to the press release: This year’s Christmas stamps are designed by Nina Kuu from Kirkkonummi. She is a versatile 35-year-old illustrator whose work is characterized by colors and a playful spirit. The artist, known for her large-scale murals, found … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Finland
Christmas Stamps 2022: Netherlands
PostNL of the Netherlands does not issue traditional Christmas stamps. Instead, they release what are termed "December stamps", holiday-themed emissions that can be used to send Christmas and New Year cards at a reduced rate. The special December rate of € 0,91. per stamp applies from 14 November 2022 up to and including 6 January … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Netherlands
Christmas Stamps 2022: Brazil
On October 31, Correios released a single-stamp souvenir sheet as its issue for Christmas 2022. The main design element is the Star of Bethlehem, from which positive words emanate. The figures represent the diversity of peoples, ages and gender and are looking directly at the Christmas Star, symbolizing the hope and feeling of brotherhood that … Continue reading Christmas Stamps 2022: Brazil
Mark Joseph Jochim 