Santa Claus arrived early this year.
The jolly guy in the red suit joined USPS leaders at the Oct. 11 dedication ceremony for Sparkling Holidays, new stamps that showcase classic images of Santa Claus from the mid-20th century, painted by Haddon Sundblom for Coca-Cola.
“I have no doubt that the Sparkling Holidays stamps will quickly become favorites,” said Chief Financial Officer Joe Corbett, who led the ceremony. “The paintings of the rosy-cheeked, smiling, grandfatherly man in his red suit embody the very essence of Santa.”
The stamp images were created for Coca-Cola holiday advertisements that ran from the 1940s through the early 1960s.
The dedication ceremony was held at the Inn at Christmas Place, a holiday-themed hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN. Other speakers included Justine Fletcher, Coca-Cola’s heritage communications director.
The stamps are available in booklets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com. Additionally, a souvenir sheet with a semi-jumbo stamp is available at usps.com.
