Credit: POST Luxembourg
On Tuesday 12 November 2024, POST Luxembourg issued eight new special stamps, including the "Christmas 2024" stamps.
This year's Christmas stamps commemorate an event that took place in December 1944 in the northern Luxembourg town of Wiltz.
The 28th Infantry Division of the US Army, who were recovering in Wiltz following the withdrawal of German troops, decided to organise a pre-Christmas celebration for the children of the town. After hearing about the Kleeschen, two corporals had the idea of organising a pre-Christmas party to bring a little joy to the population, especially to children. The Œuvre Saint-Nicolas, founded by local business people in 1949, honours the gesture of American soldiers by continuing the tradition of the "American St. Nick" each year.
The first commemorative stamp, illustrated by Marco Zorzi, features the Corporal, dressed as St Nicholas, being driven through the streets of Wiltz to the castle in an army jeep, accompanied by two girls in angel costumes. The second stamp depicts St Nicholas with children.
The new special stamps are available from 12 November 2024 in in the Espaces POST and post offices, at the philatelic counter and in the e-shop www.postphilately.lu.
