Canada Post kicks off the holiday season with release of 2020 stamps — once again including a choice of Christian or secular imagery

The 2020 holiday stamps issued by Canada Post again feature a choice of sacred or secular imagery. The nativity scene on the religiously-themed stamp was illustrated by Sandra Dionisi. The Catholic Women's League of Canada (CWL) is one of the groups that has requested the inclusion of a sacred image in the annual release of holiday stamps. (Image courtesy of CNW Group/ Canada Post)

Posted By: Kiply Lukan Yaworski November 24, 2020

News release from Canada Post

[Ottawa – Nov. 2, 2020]  – An annual holiday tradition since 1964, Canada Post has released new stamp issues to help Canadians make their cards and letters more festive. Once again this year, Canadians can choose  stamps bearing either sacred or secular imagery.

This year’s Christmas issue is inspired by traditional paintings of the Nativity. Along with the central figures of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus, the stamp also includes an ox and a donkey – two additions to nativity scenes made popular by St. Francis of Assisi. The Permanent™ domestic rate stamp, designed by Soapbox Design and illustrated by Sandra Dionisi, is available in a booklet of 12. An “Official First Day Cover” is cancelled in Sainte-Famille, Quebec.

Choice of religious Christmas stamp was subject of CWL resolution: LINK

This year’s secular holiday stamps, designed by Hélène L’Heureux, feature three festive scenes by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. Lewis’ earliest works were Christmas cards painted under the guidance of her mother and sold door to door to her neighbours in rural Nova Scotia. This issue features seasonal works from the collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax: Winter Sleigh Ride (12-stamp booklet at the Permanent™ domestic rate), Team of Oxen in Winter (six-stamp booklet at the U.S. rate) and Family and Sled (six-stamp booklet at the international rate). A souvenir sheet, depicting Lewis’ whimsical cats, and a souvenir sheet “Official First Day Cover,” cancelled in Digby, Nova Scotia, round out the issue.

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