The First "Real" Christmas Stamps

Round-Up readers continue to ask,"What was the first Christmas stamp?"

Moleman on the FunTrivia.com website says, "This is a subject of much debate. Canada produced a stamp bearing the words 'Xmas 1898' in 1898. However it was not necessarily produced for Christmas.

"Denmark claims that the first Christmas stamp in the world was printed in Denmark in 1904 after an idea of postmaster Einar Holboell. He took the initiative to add an extra stamp to the Christmas mail. The money from the sale should help sick children to a better and healthier life. The stamp said 'Julen 1904' (Christmas 1904). But this seems to be more of a charity stamp.

"Many people reckon that the 1943 Hungary stamps [Scott 617-19, one of which is shown above] were the first REAL Christmas stamps depicting the Message to the Shepherds, the Nativity, and the Adoration of the Magi.

"The US didn't issue its first Christmas stamp until 1962, when the first stamp showed a Christmas wreath."

For more Christmas stamps around the world, click here.