LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s a small but unique detail that some people with an exuberant holiday spirit are willing to go the extra mile to acquire during the Christmas season.
We’re talking about a one-of-a-kind Santa Claus postmark from the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus name.
Each year, the Santa Claus, Indiana, post office, features a new holiday postmark to cancel the postage stamps on holiday mail.
The small-town post office receives over 400,000 pieces of mail in December — compared to only 13,000 pieces of mail per month the rest of the year.
“Patrons from all over the world request the Santa Claus holiday postmark. Some drive into town to personally hand cancel their holiday mail with the famous picture postmark and others request the special postmark by mail,” Postmaster Cheryl Bailey said. “The famous Santa Claus postmark is a long-standing tradition for the town and it’s always fun to see the unique artwork each year.”
This special picture postmark has been offered every Christmas season since 1983. Each year a contest between local high school art students decides the design. This year’s postmark artist is Lily Vance of Lamar, Indiana.
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The world-famous Santa Claus post office will begin offering the picture postmark on Dec. 1, but there are some guidelines you’ll need to follow if you want the special cancellation on your holiday mail. Here’s what to know:
- Allow at least a 2-inch by 4-inch space in the stamp area for the picture postmark
- Apply postage to cards or letters before bringing or mailing them to the post office
- The picture postmark is available on working days between Dec. 1 and 24
- You need to specifically request the picture postmark
- To ensure a good postmark imprint, do not enclose large or bulky items in your holiday mail (no reindeer food, snowflakes, glitter, stickers, etc.)
- There is no charge for postmarking; however, there is a limit of 50 picture postmarks (hand cancellations) per person per day
- If you wish to mail Christmas cards to the post office, package them — with postage stamps already on them — in a sturdy envelope or box, and mail to: Postmaster, P.O. Box 9998, Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998
There are plenty of holiday-related events to enjoy if you choose to visit Santa Claus, Indiana this time of year, many of which take place in November. There is a Santa Claus Christmas parade, Christmas fireworks, live reindeer exhibit, Santa Claus train ride and more. You can find details on all upcoming events at SantaClausInd.org/Events.
Follow Kirby Adams on Twitter: @kirbylouisville.