Australia Post celebrates Christmas with themed festive stamps
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
Australia Post has started the Christmas countdown with the release of this year's festive stamps featuring three themes: traditional religious scenes, joyous 'Celebrate Christmas' images and the animated Christmas Island issue.
"We start receiving letters and parcels as early as September, with around 70 million cards sent each Christmas," said Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour.
"Even with all the different ways we now communicate, sending cards still remains an amazingly resilient Christmas tradition.
"This year Australia Post is offering a variety of Christmas stamps so there's something for everyone and, as always, card-only stamps will be five cents cheaper throughout the Christmas period. Just remember to write 'card only' on the envelope."
The traditional religious themed stamps, designed by Gavin Ryan, feature the Madonna and Child (55c) and Three Wise Men ($1.50).
The festive themed stamps (55c) are illustrated by Simone Sakinofsky and feature familiar Christmas symbols such as the decorated Christmas tree, star and colourfully wrapped gifts.
The Christmas Island Christmas issue highlights the island's natural environment with two stamps, both featuring humorous images. The 55c stamp depicts Santa pulling a Christmas cracker with a native Red Crab and the $1.50 stamp features Santa taking some time out for snorkelling before arriving on the island. These colourful stamps were illustrated by Andrew Hopgood.
When choosing Christmas cards, senders should remember to select standard card sizes (no larger than 130mm x 240mm) to qualify for the 55c stamp rate for Australia and $1.50 stamp rate for overseas.
The full Christmas stamp range is available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.
For further information about Christmas postal rates, international and domestic posting deadlines and tips on correct packaging, visit the staff at your local Australia Post retail outlet, telephone 13 13 18 or visit auspost.com.au.
