Some of the new holiday stamps for 2024. USPS image
The U.S. Postal Service issued new holiday stamps for the 2024 season, including one each for Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. All are Forever stamps, currently worth 73 cents each.
For Christmas, two non-secular stamp series celebrate winter weather and decorations.
Winter Whimsy Stamps evoke the craft of handcut “snowflakes” with four unique designs per block. The white snowflakes come on navy blue, teal, tan, or dark blue-green backgrounds.
Holiday Joy Stamps are inspired by folk art. The four designs feature either one of two ornaments, a poinsettia, or a blue snowflake-like flower.
The new religious stamp, Christmas Madonna and Child, is a serene interpretation of Mary cradling a sleeping baby Jesus in her arms.
The newest Hanukkah stamp from the USPS is an ink drawing of a menorah on a blue background. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration lasting eight days, usually around Christmas. This year, it begins at sundown Wednesday, Dec. 25, and continues through sundown Thursday, Jan. 2.
The new colorful design for Kwanzaa was inspired by a live performance. It depicts a male drummer and two female dancers. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It was first observed in 1966.
Visit USPS.com or your local post office to purchase the stamps.
Santa’s helpers stick to shipping deadlines
Knowing holiday shipping deadlines will help all posted packages arrive at their destinations in time for the big day.
The U.S. Postal Service ships at the lowest price, until the parcel’s weight goes over 5 pounds. Then, Santa’s Helpers might want to check the competition, especially UPS and FedEx.
For USPS packages to arrive on or before Dec. 25 (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), follow these deadlines:
- Dec. 18—USPS Ground Advantage
- Dec. 18—First-Class Mail
- Dec. 19—Priority Mail
- Dec. 21—Priority Mail Express
Go to USPS.com for more information.
