Santa Stamps!

Oh, what a nerd I feel like, getting so excited to see the new "USA Philatelic" catalog in the mail!

I'm always excited about the stamp catalog, but this particular issue was especially fun for me. The cover features an image from the new "Santa and Sleigh" holiday stamp that will be issued by the U.S. Postal Service on Oct. 11.

But, the story goes further than that. You see, it's not just that it's about stamps. It's not that it has Santa on the cover. It's that Santa has green gloves on. (Technically, they're green mittens, but I always say "green gloves," for the sake of the alliteration, I guess.) I have maintained for many years now that the real Santa wears green gloves.

Sure, I've seen pictures and books showing Santa wearing red, blue, brown, even yellow gloves, but I've always known that he really wears green gloves. I supposed that idea originated with my first "Night Before Christmas" book that I had as a little girl. Right there on the cover, Santa is wearing green gloves (mittens).

And, now, the U.S. Postal Service agrees and has an image of Santa wearing green gloves on an official stamp. It's almost like the scene from the original "Miracle on 34th Street"!

The new stamp is part of a four-stamp set that celebrates the 100th anniversary of "Operation Santa" that you can read about on the USPS web: http://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/holidaynews/2011/santa.htm . You can buy the stamps in booklets of 20 stamps or in any of the other usual collectible versions (first day covers, uncut press sheets, ceremony programs, etc.

The USPS also is selling the traditional 2012 White House Christmas Ornament. But, this year, there's also a "Letters to Santa" Ornament, featuring the scene on the stamp set. I'm thinking I may add that to my wish list this year!

Behind on blogging

I've been pulling double-duty (and some days, triple-duty) at my day job lately. That leaves little time for blogging or writing letters, I'm sorry to say.

I have recently received several lovely letters that I will answer as quickly as I can. I do apologize for the delay and hope to get back on track soon.

In the meantime, I'll try to squeeze in a few more minutes each day to blog at least a little bit.

Happy letter writing!