Mint. MNH. No flaws. From a smoke-free and pet-free environment.

These Old World Santa Claus self-adhesive Christmas stamps were issued by the U.S. Postal Service on October 10, 2001 in Santa Claus, IN. The images of "Father Christmas" or "Saint Nicholas" with toys and trees are from antique chromolithographs dating from c.1880 and c.1915-20.

The modern American Santa Claus has its' roots in ancient European customs of giving gifts on a special day in winter. Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop, became the Christian figure associated with holiday gift-giving. The Dutch brought their version of St. Nicholas to America, calling him "Sinterklaas"; and the English settlers adopted him, pronouncing his name "Santa Claus."

Scott # 3537-3540