Set of Christmas 2023 Gummed Stamps
This set of stamps contains the five stamps from the Christmas 2023 stamp issue.
Overview
Each year, Australia Post releases a Christmas stamp issue, featuring domestic and international card-rate stamps that present both traditional and secular Christmas themes.
This year’s traditional Christmas stamp designs infuse some Australian aesthetics into the Christmas story, including the Southern Cross installation and native flower motifs. The mixed media illustrations combine watercolour, gouache, ink and pencil, with a soft yet bright colour palette.
The traditional minisheet depicts the dark, holy night that is the scene for the birth of Jesus. The domestic Christmas-card-rate stamp presents Mary looking adoringly upon the baby Jesus, with a golden glow surrounding them both. The three Magi, or wise men, are depicted on the international Christmas-card-rate stamp. The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of three Magi who followed a star from the East (most likely Persia) to Bethlehem, to welcome the newborn King and present him with gifts: gold (both valuable and beautiful), frankincense (a spiritual essence) and myrrh (a sacred anointing oil). The Magi are often presented in three life stages: young, middle-aged and older, though some biblical scholars believe the Magi numbered three to represent the three known continents of Africa, Asia and Europe.
The three secular stamp designs are a folksy take on some key traditions that are enjoyed at Christmas time: putting up and decorating a Christmas tree; the giving and receiving of gifts; and, for children, writing to Santa in the hope that their Christmas wishes will be granted.
Technical specifications
| Issue date | 1 November 2023 |
| Issue withdrawal date | 31 December 2024 |
| Denominations | 65c (rel.) x 1, 65c (sec. se-tenant) x 2, $3.00 (int. religious & secular) x 2 |
| Stamp & product design | Jo Muré, Australia Post Design Studio (secular stamps and products), Dani Poon (religious stamps) |
| Illustration | Dani Poon |
| Paper: gummed | Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phosphor |
| Paper: self-adhesive | S/A Rel - Tullis Russell Red Phos PSA (P55) 100gsm Release S/A, S/A Sec - S/A Securpost MC 90 P11P Non Phos, S/A Sht10 - Raflatac Cast gloss SP34 KS90 |
| Printer | RA Printing (religious), EGO (secular), Rapid Labels (secular sheetlet of 10) |
| Printing process | Offset lithography, S/A Sheetlet of 10 Inkjet 1200 dpi |
| Stamp size (mm) | 26 x 37.5 |
| Minisheet (mm) | 135 x 80 |
| Sheetlet (mm) | 192 x 120 |
| Perforations | 14.6 x 13.86 |
| Sheet layout | Module of 50 (2 x 25 no design), (S/A Sheetlet of 10 Coloured overprint over foil) |
| FDI Postmark | Merrylands NSW 2160 |
| FDI withdrawal date | 30 November 2023 |
Stamps in this issue
Mary and Baby Jesus
Based on the traditional Christmas story, Mary is presented watching over the Christ Child held lovingly and protectively in her arms.
Illustration: Dani Poon
The Three Wise Men
According to the traditional Christmas story the Maji journeyed to witness the arrival of the Baby Jesus by following the Star to offer gifts of celebration.
Illustration: Dani Poon
Christmas Tree, with Gifts
The Christmas Tree, first introduced in Europe, was widely adopted as symbolic of the Christmas season and celebrations around the world. A common tradition is to place gifts beneath the tree on Christmas Eve.
Image: Good Studio/stock.adobe.com
Santa Mail
Children send greetings and wishes addressed to Santa as Christmas Eve draws closer. The sending of letters and cards offering “Season’s Greetings” is a long-held tradition.
Image: Good Studio/stock.adobe.com
Christmas Decoration
Christmas decorations vary around the world and are used to adorn homes, gardens, and Christmas trees. Baubles, lights, paper chains, and even greenery, have long been used.
Image: Good Studio/stock.adobe.com
Shop our Stamp Collectables
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Christmas 2023 Minisheet
This minisheet is from the Christmas 2023 stamp issue and presents the two religious stamps in a nativity-themed setting.
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Christmas 2023 Stamp Pack
This Christmas 2023 stamp pack contains the five stamps from the stamp issue, as well as the minisheet, presented in a high-quality folder.
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Christmas 2023 Embellished Sheetlet Pack
Embellished sheetlet pack, featuring Christmas Tree and Letter 65c stamps
Additional collectables:
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First day cover (gummed)
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First day cover (minisheet)
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Self-adhesive sheetlet of 5 x $3 (international secular) stamps
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Self-adhesive sheetlet of 5 x $3 (international religious) stamps
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Self-adhesive booklet of 20 x 65c (secular) stamps
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Self-adhesive booklet of 20 x 65c (religious) stamps
This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.
Related stamp issues
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Issue date: 01 November 2022
Christmas 2022
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Issue date: 01 November 2022
Christmas Island Christmas 2022
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Issue date: 01 November 2021
Christmas 2021
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Issue date: 01 November 2021
Christmas Island Christmas 2021