Post Dates

Madonna and Child

The U.S. Postal Service issued a 41-cent Christmas: The Madonna of the Carnation by Bernardino Luini holiday stamp. The theme of each traditional U.S. Christmas stamp issued since 1978 has been the Madonna and Child.

The stamp features an oil-on-panel painting by Milanese painter Luini. Dating to around 1515, the painting is now part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

For first-day cancellations, affix stamps to self-addressed envelopes and send to CHRISTMAS THE MADONNA OF THE CARNATION BY BERNARDINO LUINI, POST­MASTER, 421 EIGHTH AVE RM 2029B, NEW YORK, NY 10199-9998. Orders must be postmarked by Dec. 24.

Kwanzaa

The U.S. Postal Service also issued a 41-cent Kwanzaa holiday stamp. This stamp design was previously issued in 2004 and 2006.

Kwanzaa is a nonreligious African-American holiday that takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It draws on African traditions and takes its name from the Swahili phrase for "first fruits."

For first-day cancellations, affix stamps to self-addressed envelopes and send to KWANZAA STAMP, POSTMASTER, 421 EIGHTH AVE RM 2029B, NEW YORK, NY 10199-9998. Orders must be postmarked by Dec. 25.

Hanukkah

The U.S. Postal Service also recently issued a 41-cent Hanukkah special stamp. This stamp design was previously issued in 2004 and 2006.

The stamp shows a dreidel, a four-sided top which is traditionally spun as part of the tradition of celebrating Hanukkah, the yearly festival spanning eight days and nights that is celebrated by Jews around the world. The holiday commemorates the successful Jewish revolt led by Judah Maccabee against the oppressive government of Antiochus IV in 165 B.C.

For first-day cancellations, affix stamps to self-addressed envelopes and send to HANUKKAH STAMP, POSTMASTER, 421 EIGHTH AVE RM 2029B, NEW YORK, NY 10199-9998. Orders must be postmarked by Dec. 25.