| Media release November 3, 2023 |  |
This year’s Christmas stamps depict happy animals illustrated by Minna Lehväslaiho. On the domestic no-value indicator stamp for Christmas greetings, cheerful owls are perched in a winter apple tree. The domestic no-value indicator stamp shows energetic squirrels in a Christmas wreath. On the international no-value indicator stamp, the owls have gone skiing and ice skating. The Christmas stamps will become available on Wednesday, November 8.
“This year, we wanted Christmas stamps that will cheer people up and make them smile. The colorful illustration style of Minna Lehväslaiho, who specializes in postcard illustrations, creates exactly the kind of atmosphere we were looking for,” says Tommi Kantola, Design Manager at Posti, who is responsible for selecting the artists and providing guidance on the artistic work for the stamps.
Owls have been part of the artist’s life since childhood
Since childhood, Minna has been interested in animals, especially owls. “My grandmother had a stuffed owl, and I drew friends for it as a child. I still draw owls, and they have already made it to quite a few places. I’m happy that they can also show themselves on winter stamps.”
There is also a story behind the apple tree on the Christmas stamp. “In front of our cottage’s porch, we have a winter apple tree with apples that are firmly attached to the branches. I look forward to the first snowfall in the fall and the beautiful accumulation of snow on the apples. Red apples are also associated with Christmas, so I decided to include winter apples on the stamp,” Minna says.
Minna has drawn a lot of animal characters, so there were plenty of animals to choose from for the Christmas stamps. “We have six cats at home and I also sketched them for the stamps, but in the end we went with squirrels and a Christmas wreath for the domestic no-value indicator stamps. International no-value indicator stamps are also used for other winter greetings after Christmas, so we made the owls ski and skate on those stamps.”
A Christmas greeting is like a small present
Minna has illustrated hundreds of postcards for various clients, including UNICEF and the Finnish Red Cross. Postcard illustrations are mostly commissioned works, but still give the artist some freedom within the chosen subject. “Illustrations related to postcard seasons can also be done in many different ways, whether they are for Christmas, Easter or even Halloween.”
What does Minna think is a good Christmas greeting? “A Christmas card is like a small Christmas present, and I receive all cards with joy and love. The best Christmas greetings are those that show that the sender has thought about the recipient when choosing the Christmas card and writing the greeting. The loveliest Christmas messages are simple but personal.”
Spending Christmas with loved ones
Minna appreciates being able to spend Christmas in Finland. “I lived abroad with my children for 20 years. Now, I make the most of being able to spend Christmas with my parents, sisters and all the children of my close relatives. Christmas is made up of family, Christmas food and all the scents, flavors and colors of Christmas. And, of course, Christmas carols.”
Minna also does postcrossing, in which people from around the world send each other postcards. “The postcrosser’s Christmas season begins already in November so that the cards can reach the other side of the world by Christmas. Christmas cards and stamps may seem rather exotic to the recipient, so it is especially nice to receive feedback about them.”
Christmas Cheer, the no-value indicator stamp for Christmas greetings, will be issued as a 20-stamp sheet. The Christmas domestic and international no-value indicator stamps Christmas Wreath and Winter Joy will be issued as 10-stamp sheets. The Christmas stamps include a 2D code that makes it easier to sort postal items mechanically.
The Christmas stamp celebrates its 50th anniversary
Finnish Christmas stamps have been issued for 50 years. Finland’s first Christmas stamp from 1973 featured Santa Claus in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The stamp was designed by Pirkko Vahtero. Posti has issued Christmas stamps every year since 1973.
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First day event at Helsinki Main Post Office on November 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The first day event for the November stamps will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at the Helsinki Main Post Office (Elielinaukio 2 F, 00100 Helsinki) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
New stamps, first day covers and other stamp products will be sold at the event, and visitors can get first day postmarks on their items. Minna Lehväslaiho will be present to sign her works from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Welcome!
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Image material for the media: https://digilibrary.emmi.fi/l/mXL9SdL67BTH
All stamps for sale are featured in Posti’s online shop at shop.posti.fi/en
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Further information
Posti MediaDesk, tel. +358 (0)20 452 3366 (Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.)
The Philatelic Blogger 