Sunday Stamps: Secular Christmas

 Ah, yes, we are approaching the holiday-filled end of the year.  It's a cold day in the American Mid-west, and time to share some holiday stamps for the US Postal Service.

First, a poinsettia for international postage.  The red and green are so festive.

Also, for this year, other holiday stamps:

Happy elves, getting presents ready:

All these scan are from the USPS website.

My house is decorated, but the presents aren't wrapped, and the cookies are not baked.  All this will happen in the coming week.

Visit SeeitonaPostcard for more participants. 

I have a page on Facebook: keep up with my infrequent quilt and stamp posts at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Viridian61/347674418583948?ref=hl

Viridian

Sunday Stamps; Secular Christmas stamps

 Good day, and welcome to my blog.

This week's theme for Sunday stamps is Christmas, specifically secular Christmas stamps (religious Christmas stamps will be next week).  Here is one I would have purchased is my days of participating in Postcrossing:

A round USA stamp for international postage.  This rate is now US $1.20, which is one reason why I am not participating in Postcrossing anymore.  But what a wonderful idea - sending postcards across the world, and getting pretty postcards from strangers in return.

Visit SeeitonaPostcard for more entries!

I have a page on Facebook: keep up with my infrequent quilt and stamp posts at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Viridian61/347674418583948?ref=hl

Viridian

Sunday Stamps 105

Hello from the cold (though it could be colder) American Midwest!
The theme today for Sunday Stamps is Secular Christmas.  I would like to share this year's stamps from the US Postal Service.  The scan and the text is theirs.

"In 2016, the U.S. Postal Service® issues Holiday Windows, four new stamps that rejoice in the simple pleasures of the season. 

Nothing compares to the tranquil calm of a winter evening after the snow has fallen and the sun has set. Whether you enjoy viewing the peaceful scene from a cozy spot indoors or feeling the chill on your face outside, these brief moments remind us of what makes this time of year so special. Recalling nostalgic winter nights from childhood, these stamps highlight the role windows play during the holidays, letting us delight in the snow when we’re inside while also sharing our warmth and merriment with the outside world.

Conveying the joyful and reverent spirit of the holiday season, these elegant stamps showcase various ways we observe traditions and spread cheer. Each stamp is sure to add a dash of winter bliss to letters and cards during the year’s coldest months. 

The Holiday Windows stamps are being issued as Forever® stamps. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® one-ounce price. "

Enjoy the season, everyone.

Visit Sunday Stamps and see who else is joining in.

Keep up with me at https://www.facebook.com/Viridian61-347674418583948/ on Facebook.

Viridian

Sunday Stamps December 20

Welcome again to my blog. I'm sorry I've been so neglectful.
It's Christmas time and that means time for sharing Christmas stamps at Sunday Stamps, at See it on a Postcard blog.  My contribution is below.

This image is from the US Postal Service website.  They generally have a Madonna and Child stamp every year (this one from 2013).  Following a theme, it seems, the Christ Child is hardly a newborn here.  And He has a funny face - even a little creepy, maybe?  Note Mary is resting her head on her hand - she is probably very tired!

My contribution to this week's Sunday Stamps.

Viridian

Sunday Stamps #114

Welcome to Sunday Stamps.
When I picked the theme of Stamps from Ireland, or green stamps, in honor of St. Patrick's day, I was sure I had a recent card from a Postcrosser in Ireland, and I would find it in the photo album I use to store my postcards, and just scan the stamp.  No such luck!  So I have for you today a green stamp, but for the Christmas season.

I should also remember that St. Patrick's day is not such a big deal in other parts of the world.  March 17 is indeed the Saint's day for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but honestly you would think he is the patron saint of this part of the midwest USA, and especially the college I work for.  Unless there is a patron saint of basketball (is there??)

So maybe you can find a green stamp, such as this one from Belarus.

Viridian

Theme next week: continuing the color theme - let's go pink.

Sunday Stamps # 102

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! It is time for Sunday Stamps #102.

I am a little late today because I have been at a family get together: 3 generations together, dinner and supper and opening presents in between.  It ran rather late!  It was very fun for all involved however.

Our theme this week is more holiday or Christmas stamps.  Last week some people shared more than one stamp - I hope you have a few different kinds left!  I have two from the US Postal Service, and I am using their scans, still too lazy to scan my own.

The Holy Family, leaving Bethlehem or traveling to Egypt, one assumes, and

A stamp celebrating the Festival of Lights, Hanukah.  Though the double K on the stamp seems a bit strange, doesn't it.

So the world did not end on Dec. 21, as some silly people in the USA thought it might.  Therefore we have Sunday Stamps this week, and for next week:

Next week's theme:  Anything you wish, and a challenge: can you find a stamp commemorating the end of something?  It is the end of the year after all.

Viridian

Remember: I am on Facebook, (Viridian61) where I announce when these posts are available - find it out first there!

Sunday Stamps #50

It's Christmas Eve and Christmas day is tomorrow, Sunday. Let's celebrate with some Christmas stamps.

These are this year's non-religious stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service.  They are valid for first class domestic postage (right now: 44 cents).  The forever designation means they will always be good for first class postage, even when postage rates go up.
Merry Christams to all, and to all a good night!  Please join us and visit the other participants.

Viridian
Theme next week: New Years or new beginnings stamps (I've actually never seen any), or anything you wish.

Christmas Postcard

There may or may not be Postcard Friendship Friday today. If so, this is my contribution.  I do wish there was snow on the ground here in the Midwest.
 In any case, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and don't forget that Sunday Stamps opens a bit early tomorrow.
Viridian

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PFF: Vintage Christmas Postcard

Wishing you a very merry vintage Christmas! I hope I catch some Christmas spirit soon.

A corner missing but still a lovely card.  I think I've shown almost all the vintage cards in my stash.  Time to go to ebay and bid on another lot of vintage postcards!

I am joining with Beth at The Best Hearts are Crunchy for Postcard Friendship Friday.

Viridian

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Hearty Greetings everyone. I missed the last Postcard Friendship Friday, my first miss in a while. I was out of town at a meeting. May everyone relax and enjoy the season and friends and family.
viridian

Happy Christmas?

Indeed. Are you? Addressed to Mrs. Annie Neal, no postmark, address or stamp. Message; "Wishing you a Merry Xmas. Am coming to see you before I die. Florence Chase"

Does Florence know she is dying of cancer, or heart failure? Is she pining away for Annie? Is she cutting off their friendship - implying she will not see Annie again until she is old and knows she is going to die?

I don't know what to make of this message.