The 2011 Christmas stamp issue portrayed the Nativity – the traditional Christian story that has been told and treasured by people around the world for generations.
Issue information
In New Zealand, Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family, and often reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the birth of baby Jesus. The 2011 Christmas stamp issue featured five intricately illustrated gummed stamps that highlight key moments in the Nativity story. Each gummed stamp had a unique diamond shape and featured metallic gold printing, adding to the festive feel of the issue.
First Day Covers that Captured the Spirit of Christmas
The 2011 Christmas stamps were available on two first day covers – one with gummed stamps affixed, and the other with self-adhesive stamps affixed. Both featured beautifully illustrated stained glass windows that continue the traditional Christmas theme.
Product Listing for 2011 Christmas
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 60c 'Baby Jesus' gummed stamp. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph found there was no room at the inn and had to stay in a stable with the animals. During the night, Jesus was born and placed in a manger. |
$0.60 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.20 'Angel' gummed stamp. In the fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their flocks through the night. An Angel appeared to them and brought them the good news that the Son of God had been born. |
$1.20 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.90 'Mary and Joseph' gummed stamp. In the stable, Mary and Joseph held the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes in their arms, and gazed at him adoringly. |
$1.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.40 'Shepherds' gummed stamp. The shepherds hurried to see Jesus after receiving the message of good news from the Angel. They found him lying in the manger and were filled with great joy. |
$2.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.90 'Wise Men' gummed stamp. When Jesus was born, a bright star appeared in the sky. Three wise men followed it to where Jesus lay. They worshipped him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. |
$2.90 |
| Single Stamp | Single 60c 'Baby Jesus' self-adhesive stamp. | $0.60 | |
| Single Stamp | Single $1.90 'Mary and Joseph' self-adhesive stamp. | $1.90 | |
| Single Stamp | Single $2.40 'Shepherds' self-adhesive stamp. | $2.40 | |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with five gummed stamps affixed. | $9.50 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with three self-adhesive stamps affixed. | $5.40 |
| Self-adhesive Dispenser | Dispenser box containing 100 x 60c self-adhesive stamps. | $60.00 | |
| Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x 60c self-adhesive stamps. | $6.00 | |
| Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x $1.90 self-adhesive stamps. | $17.10 | |
| Self-adhesive Booklet | Booklet of 10 x $2.40 self-adhesive stamps. | $21.60 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 2 November 2011 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Five gummed stamps and three self-adhesive stamps |
| Denominations: | Gummed: 60c, $1.20, $1.90, $2.40 and $2.90; Self-adhesive: 60c, $1.90, $2.40 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Karen Mounsey-Smith, Brisbane, Australia |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography and Australia Post, Sprintpak, Australia (self-adhesive 60c booklet only) |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus metallic gold |
| Stamp size and format: | Gummed: 35mm x 35mm; Self-adhesive: 25mm x 30mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper; Self-adhesive: B100 self-adhesive stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.5 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks were obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in both A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 1 November 2012. |