The jovial, nostalgic motifs of this year’s Christmas stamps draw on Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage when it comes to Christmas traditions. It is particularly impressive to see how the diversity of these customs is depicted. Living traditions make up part of Switzerland’s intangible cultural heritage. The designs selected for the four special stamps in the 2021 Christmas set highlight the wide variety of traditions practised during the festive period. Cheery nostalgia full of atmosphere – the four designs show a broad range of traditions from the regional to the widely known: Saint Nicholas trudges out of the forest, carol singers roam the countryside letting their voices ring out, the “Iffelen” carriers create a mystical atmosphere at the Saint Nicholas chase in Küssnacht and the “Chlausezüüg” entices us into a cosy room in Appenzell Innerrhoden. In terms of their cheerful style and the designs chosen, the images purposely draw on classical children’s book illustrations. Their atmospheric characterization is enhanced by the evocative use of light impressions and effects.

The current stamps remain valid and their value can be increased using the three “Coins” supplementary stamps worth 5, 10 and 20 centimes respectively.