This merry illustrated Christmas stamp issue showed that you don’t have to have a white Christmas to feel festive.
Issue information
The word ‘Christmas’ tends to conjure images of snow, pine trees and jolly old Santa Claus dressed in his red suit. However, this white Christmas aesthetic is only applicable to some of the Northern Hemisphere; Christmas in Tokelau brings warm weather, time at the beach and celebrations under pandanus trees.
Festive collectables for your Tokelau stamp collection
Included in this playful stamp issue is a miniature sheet, a first day cover and a miniature sheet first day cover. Perfect as an addition to your island stamp collection or as a stocking stuffer, these fun collectables are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Product Listing for Tokelau Kilihimahi 2015
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 45c 'Tropical Snowman' gummed stamp. With an average temperature of 30°C throughout December, snow in Tokelau at Christmas time is essentially impossible. In place of a traditional snowman, this stamp depicts a snowman made out of sand, all decked up and ready for a festive and summery Tokelau Christmas. |
$0.45 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.40 'Christmas Tree' gummed stamp. The pandanus tree thrives in Tokelau’s warmer climate and its leaves and bark are central to Tokelauan crafts. This stamp shows a festive pandanus tree, decked with all the trimmings and with presents sitting underneath. |
$1.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Sand Angels' gummed stamp. Making snow angels is a classic winter activity in countries that experience snow during the festive season. But with no snow in Tokelau, the reindeer on this stamp is merrily making do with sand right by the ocean. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.00 'Santa' gummed stamp. When visiting the warmer climates of the world, Santa’s traditional red suit would be far too warm to wear in Tokelau. Here, Santa has swapped his suit for a far more summery ensemble and is enjoying the beautiful weather that Tokelau has to offer. |
$3.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $6.85 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $7.35 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 25 November 2015 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Set of four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 45c, $1.40, $2.00 and $3.00 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post Limited, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand. |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 24 November 2016. |