Christmas

Front:
29 29 ve E NSAS ОСТ GREEΤΙN, CEΕ ΕΤING 22 1992 64108 Toy. No. 203,775. Patented May 14, 1878. VIWAF Chis Cable MO

Back:
CHRISTMAS First Day of Issue: October 22, 1992 First Issue Location: Kansas City, Missouri Beribboned boxes and tantalizingly small bundles care- fully tucked beneath a fragrant evergreen are America's most beloved Christmas images. The custom of Christmas gift-giving is deeply entrenched in western civilization, with roots pre-dating the Christian era. Ancient Romans often exchanged gifts of food, candles or religious statu- ary to commemorate events such as emperors' birthdays or to mark significant holidays. When Christ was born, three Magi presented Him with precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As the Christian faith spread throughout the world, gift-giving remained a joyous part of the Christmas season. During the Middle Ages, many people exchanged gifts from Christmas Eve through Epiphany on January 6, a practice memorialized in the timeless yuletide carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas." And although much has changed in the world since the advent of the modern era, the anticipatory thrill sparked by the sight of gaily-wrapped packages continues to be felt by children of all ages. No. 92-131 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection ©1992 Fleetwood® Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Chris Calle Heetwood