On 24 December, on the eve of Christmas, Ukrposhta presents the final stamp issue of the year – “New Joy Has Come” (“Nova radist stala”). This issue is inspired by the traditions of Ukrainian vytynanka (paper-cuts) art and is named after one of the most famous Ukrainian carols that has been uniting the hearts of Ukrainians for centuries.

Ukrposhta’s Christmas stamp issue puts the finishing touches on the festive season in 2024, reminding us of the importance of preserving Ukrainian traditions even in the most difficult times. The “New Joy Has Come” postage stamps are an embodiment of the national heritage that unites the past, present and future of Ukraine.

Vytynanka is an ancient Ukrainian art that has been decorating the everyday life of our ancestors since the 17th century. In the 19th century, these paper works became an integral part of folk culture: they were used to decorate houses and churches and were used as symbols of amulets.

The Christmas the “New Joy Has Come” postage issue features a vytynanka by Honoured Artist of Ukraine Nataliia Aksonenko. Her composition “Koliada” tells the story of the holiday: the girls sing carols, the Magi bring gifts to the Child of God and the costumed people perform a goat dance, wishing the hosts a bountiful harvest. There is a separate image of Ukrainian soldiers who defend our freedom, traditions and fight for peace in the most difficult times.

The “New Joy Has Come” postage miniature sheet includes five stamps – “Carolers”, “Magi”, “Christmas”, “Christmas Nativity Scene”, “Ukrainian Warriors” – each with a face value of “M” (corresponding to the tariff for sending a simple domestic letter without declared value weighing more than 50 grams up to and including 250 grams and a postcard).  The total print run of the postal block is 60 000 copies. The print run of the First Day envelopes is 30 000 copies, postal cards – 30 000 copies and folders – 600 copies.

The “New Joy Has Come” postal issue will be available for purchase at Ukrposhta postal offices, philatelic shops and the Postal Market starting 24 December. Pre-orders for collectors are available today! Create your own Christmas story with the new Ukrposhta miniature sheet!