The holiday season is approaching, and you might be wondering how to make your mail more festive and cheerful. One way to do that is to use Holiday Windows Stamps, a type of Forever Stamps that feature four different designs of holiday-themed windows. But what are these stamps, and are they worth buying? How much do they cost, and where can you get them? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and give you some tips on how to use these stamps effectively.
What are Holiday Windows Stamps?
Holiday Windows Stamps are a type of Forever Stamps, which means they can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used, and no matter how prices may change in the future. Forever Stamps are always sold at the same price as a regular First-Class Mail stamp, which is currently 66 cents. The Holiday Windows Stamps were issued in 2016, and they feature four different designs: a candle, a wreath, a star, and a lighted tree. The stamps were designed by Ethel Kessler, with original artwork by William Low.
The Holiday Windows Stamps were inspired by the tradition of decorating windows with festive scenes during the holidays. The designer, Ethel Kessler, said that she wanted to create stamps that would evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia for the viewers. The artist, William Low, said that he used digital painting techniques to create realistic and detailed images of the windows. Each window represents a different aspect of the holiday spirit: the candle symbolizes hope and faith, the wreath symbolizes joy and celebration, the star symbolizes peace and harmony, and the lighted tree symbolizes family and tradition.
What are the most popular Holiday Windows Stamps?
According to the USPS website, the most popular Holiday Windows Stamps are:
| Stamp | Description |
|---|---|
| Candle | A red candle in a window with snowflakes and pine branches |
| Wreath | A green wreath with red berries and a bow in a window with curtains and ornaments |
| Star | A silver star in a window with garlands and lights |
| Lighted Tree | A decorated Christmas tree in a window with presents and stockings |
These stamps are sold in sheets and booklets of 20, and they can be used for any domestic or international mail that requires First-Class postage.
How to use Holiday Windows Stamps effectively?
Here are some tips on how to use Holiday Windows Stamps effectively:
- Use them for your holiday cards, letters, invitations, or gifts. They will add a festive touch to your mail and show your recipients that you care. Here are some examples of how you can use them creatively:
- Make bookmarks with your favorite stamps and give them as gifts or use them yourself.
- Make stickers with your stamps and decorate your notebooks, laptops, or phone cases.
- Make collages with your stamps and frame them as wall art or send them as cards.
- Make scrapbooks with your stamps and document your holiday memories or plans.
- Mix and match them with other Forever Stamps or holiday-themed stamps. You can create your own unique combinations and express your personality and style. For example, you can use the candle stamp with the Hanukkah stamp, the wreath stamp with the Kwanzaa stamp, the star stamp with the Eid stamp, or the lighted tree stamp with the Diwali stamp.
- Buy them in advance and stock up. The USPS often faces shortages of Forever Stamps, especially during peak seasons like the holidays. To avoid running out of stamps or paying higher prices later, it is wise to buy them in advance and stock up. You can use them anytime in the future without worrying about price changes.
- Store them properly. To preserve the quality and value of your stamps, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid bending, tearing, or damaging the stamps. Also, avoid taping or gluing them to the envelope, as this can affect their readability by automatic sorting machines.
Where to buy Holiday Windows Stamps?
You can buy Holiday Windows Stamps from various online and offline sources. Here is a comparison table of some of the options:
| Source | Pros | Cons | Delivery Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Official source; variety of designs; reliable service | Often out of stock; limited availability; long lines at post offices | Varies depending on location; usually within 5-7 business days | $13.20 per booklet of 20 stamps |
| Amazon | Convenient; fast delivery; customer reviews; easy returns | Higher prices; limited designs; possible counterfeits | Usually within 2 business days with Prime membership | $19.99 per booklet of 20 stamps |
| eBay | Competitive prices; variety of designs; customer feedback; bidding options | Possible counterfeits; unreliable sellers; shipping fees; no returns | Varies depending on seller and location; usually within 3-5 business days | $14.95 per booklet of 20 stamps |
| The USPS Stamps | Discounted Price; variety of designs; customer service; free shipping | limited availability; Less of latest designs | Usually within 3-5 business days | $51 per 100 stamps |
As you can see, there are pros and cons for each source. You should choose the one that suits your needs and budget best.
At Last
Holiday Windows Stamps are a great way to celebrate the holiday season and send your mail with style. They are Forever Stamps that can be used anytime in the future without worrying about price changes. They are also versatile and can be used for various creative purposes.
However, they are also in high demand and often out of stock, so you should buy them in advance and store them properly. You can buy them from various online and offline sources, but you should compare the prices, delivery times, and quality before making a purchase. We hope this article has helped you learn more about Holiday Windows Stamps and how to use them effectively.
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