2017Christmas Stamps - First Day Cover

December is the time of hopeful expectation. As the first candle on the advent wreath is lit, the children’s anticipation increases until the bells ring in Christmas Eve. The stamps reflect the joy and peace that prevails during the holidays. Parents often experience the atmosphere and the joy of Christmas through their children. On all the stamps, children play the main role along with the Yule Lads, the Icelandic Santa Clauses. Around the middle of the 20th century according to Northern European custom, Santa Clauses started leaving gifts in children’s shoes. On the night when the first Yule Lad arrives, the children put their shoes on the window sill, sometimes waiting expectantly until they fall asleep as shown on the stamp.It becomes ever more popular to choose one’s own Christmas tree out in nature. From a distance the Yule Lads observe the children who have chosen what they consider the most beautiful Christmas tree in the forest. The refrain of this stamp could be the word of the popular Christmas song: “Kindle a light on the fair tree, kindle a light in every heart.” While waiting for Christmas, playing games outdoors is great fun. It will be even more interesting if a Yule Lad joins you on the sledge as shown on the third stamp.