Christmas

This stamp issue commemorates the annual celebration of Christmas.

Wrapped in an earthy rose gold, this present is reminiscent of the gift of myrrh. Alongside a star-shaped gift tag, the white, star-like flowers of the clematis highlight a beautiful example of local flora and evoke the stars that guided the Three Wise Men.

The combination of pōhutukawa flower and Christmas tree tag combines two important aspects of a typical Kiwi Christmas - our love of a good Christmas tree and the annual bloom of pōhutukawa trees throughout the country.

The dove and silver fern fronds featured on this gift are both symbols of peace, while the metallic gold wrap represents the gift of gold that Jesus received at birth.

This gift includes an angel and a purple hebe flower. Purple is often associated with Jesus - it’s the colour of royalty and is often used throughout Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas.