On line on December 19th, 20th and 21st, an experiment from SIR Daily News in English. The service will officially start on January 9th 2006
For the very first time in the history of the Netherlands, the birth of Jesus becomes the subject of a stamp collection. This happened these days in Holland, where the State Post Service issued a collection of stamps about all things Christmassy, from the grotto of Bethlehem to the Adoration of the Three Wise Man and the Flight to Egypt of Jesus, Joseph and Mary. An exceptional event, which has been welcomed by cardinal Adrianus Simonis, who sees this issue as a "crystal-clear reference to the Festivity of Christmas". "For years, this festivity noticed the cardinal was completely neglected by stamps. Probably some people thought a public reference to Christianity was not desirable. While other European countries have issued some wonderful Christmas collections. Today, we are witnessing a little Christmas miracle, someone dared shatter the taboo". The initiative, continues Simonis, is also a "smart" one, as it directly appeals to the believers. By buying these stamps, which cost 10 cents each, people can support many charitable projects, such as the fight against AIDS, family trusts, the fight against cancer and the World Food Program. "By buying these stamps concludes the cardinal people can combine their best well-wishing blessings for their family and friends with a gift and a good action. The mutual relationships that many people celebrate and experience in the festive season thus become socially relevant. I really hope this materialisation of the Christmas spirit will not be limited to Christians". Something similar has happened in the United Kingdom as well, where the Royal Mail, after five years, has begun again to issue Nativity stamps for this Christmas.
