Issue date: November 2nd.

From Details magazine:

The Secular Stamps:
This year, Canada Post continues its long tradition of Christmas stamps with a secular issue that’s designed to inspire plenty of warm thoughts. The three stamps – domestic, U.S. and international rates – display colourful folk-art inspired depictions of traditional cold-weather wear, the very items you’ll likely find under many trees this Christmas.

Did you know European settlers brought wool- producing sheep to North America, as early as the mid-17th century, to keep their families’ feet warm with knitted socks? Or that worsted caps worn by voyageurs are possibly the predecessor of what we now call toques? What about early Canadians who definitely warmed up with fur-lined mitts made of animal skin, a style that likely originated with the Inuit? In Canada, even dressing for the cold connects us with the past.

At this gift-giving time of year, Canada Post will deliver on the wish list of discerning collectors with a limited edition uncut production press sheet that features multiple booklets from this issue, along with booklets of the 2018 sacred Christmas stamp (page 10). Also included is a bonus pack of all four stamp booklets plus two Official First Day Covers and a souvenir sheet. Unlike uncut press sheets specifically designed as collectibles, the production press sheet is made up of actual booklets before they’re cut for sale. This Canada Post first is sure to make the season very merry and bright for collectors.

The religious stamp:
Few stories have inspired as many creative interpretations as the Nativity. For centuries, artists have used the methods and media of their time to express their vision of the birth of Christ.
This year’s stamp, designed by Montréal-based Paprika and illustrated by Daniel Robitaille, employs the simple but rich symbolism of traditional folk art to revitalize the essential elements: the Holy Family, their humble accommodations, the makeshift crib and the heralding star of Bethlehem. Imagery on the Official First Day Cover continues the story, showing the intrepid Magi following the star to seek the Infant King. Warm colours evoke a sense of family intimacy and peace that befit the season.

[press release]
Annual Christmas stamps mark the beginning of the festive season
Canadians can choose either sacred or secular themes for their holiday greetings.

OTTAWA – Nothing marks the beginning of the holiday season like the arrival of the first Christmas card or letter. That’s been so for a long time: Canada issued the world’s first Christmas stamp – bearing a map of the British Empire and the words “Xmas 1898,” and since 1964, Canadians have been treated to holiday-themed stamps every Christmas.

This year, holiday mailers can again choose stamps with a sacred or secular theme. The sacred PERMANENT™ domestic-rate stamp features a rendering of the Nativity that is inspired by folk art.

The secular stamps offer bright and colourful illustrations of knitwear – socks (PERMANENT domestic rate), a hat (US rate) and mitts (International rate) – that evoke the warm and cozy items traditionally found under many a Canadian Christmas tree.

Both stamp issues are designed by the firm Paprika (Montréal), illustrated by Daniel Robitaille and printed by Colour Innovations (Toronto).

In a philatelic first, Canada Post is making available a limited edition of 500 uncut production press sheets, which feature several of each of the stamp booklets. This collectible is packaged for gift-giving. It includes a bonus gift of both the sacred and secular booklets (four in all); a secular souvenir sheet; and two Official First Day Covers, which are cancelled in St. Joseph, Man., (sacred) and Cardigan, P.E.I. (secular).

Stamps are available online or at postal outlets throughout Canada. The uncut press sheet is available online only at canadapost.ca/shop.