Every December stamp has its own story. In my previous blog post about stamps, I already wrote about the December stamp assignment for PostNL. In this blog post, I'll tell you the mini-story behind each December stamp....
December Stamp Story #1: On the Road
Of course, Frits caught wind of the December stamps and, like a true dachshund, wiggled his way in, and presto, he conquered his spot on a stamp! And that stubborn dachshund, Frits, has transformed into the most unexpected Christmas postman! With a basket full of colorful envelopes on his back and together with his loyal helpers – Robin (the robin) and Runner (the runner duck) – he cheerfully delivers Christmas greetings to everyone who could use some extra warmth. Will you be waiting for them at the mailbox?
December Stamp #2: Robin is Coming!
In this story too, Robin, however small she may be, plays the main role on the stamp. Robin, the robin, is the new Santa Claus and PostNL delivery person all in one! With her sleigh laden with colorful packages, she glides through the starry sky over snowy fir trees. She proudly brings Christmas magic and all orders on time to everyone's home... How lovely!
December Stamp #3: Friendship
I wanted to be on the stamps myself... even though I really don't like being in the spotlight! So what do you do then? I drew myself behind a large pile of presents. In this winter wonderland of snowflakes and fir trees, Robin and her little friend (the robins), beside me, share a magical moment of friendship. With sparkling eyes, they look at each other and inspect the packages, searching for that one special gift for each other. And so you see that even the smallest gesture of appreciation can warm the coldest day.
December Stamp #4: Singing Star
Robin, the little robin, hidden here among festive flowers and branches, lets her heart speak in the most beautiful melodies. Her song brings a warm glow to the cold winter days, as if she is the star of her own enchanting winter world. Haha, isn't it wonderful?! Let her cheerful sounds fill your heart with love and joy this Christmas... Have you heard her sing yet?
Robin and her friend whisper together about the mystery of the clothesline: who is hanging their Christmas sweater and sock out to dry in the winter cold? Isn't that strange?! Maybe it's the snowman, secretly dreaming of a warm outfit for the Christmas party. As the stars twinkle and the snow gently falls, the friends laughingly imagine that Santa Claus might have needed to air out his best suit for the upcoming holidays...
December Stamp #6: Only Love
Rudolph, the reindeer, and Robin, an unlikely duo, brave the winter cold together. Brrr... With a shared look of understanding, they show that friendship sometimes comes from unexpected places. Even in the harsh winter weather, it turns out: for true companionship, species or size doesn't matter.
Robin, the cheerful robin, watches curiously on this stamp as we transport our self-chosen Christmas tree in a wheelbarrow, ready to brighten up our home. Lights in it, baubles on it, a star on top, etc. After the holidays, she and her dachshund friend Frits return the tree to the forest, where it can continue to grow and shine again next year. This way, we celebrate a sustainable Christmas, hand in hand with nature, and create new traditions that Robin and all her forest friends will appreciate.
As a sweet tooth, I couldn't resist drawing a delicious bundt cake. And Robin, the robin, has also set her sights on a scrumptious Christmas cake. While she dreams of a tasty bite, deep down she knows that this sweet temptation is not meant for her. Yet, she can't help but watch, drooling, imagining how wonderful it would be to finally get to indulge in the cake. Would she really be that naughty....?
As snowflakes gently fall, the street is bathed in the warm glow of Christmas lights and lanterns. That enchanting atmosphere: I love it, and it simply had to be on a December stamp! Robin, standing at the front door, looks around with her shimmering eyes, enjoying the twinkling lights, the decorated Christmas trees, and the soft glow that lies over everything... She is a small but grateful spectator of this winter wonderland. Are you too?
In December, I always reflect on the past year and make plans for the coming year... whether I execute them is a whole other story, hahaha. I wanted this to be reflected on a December stamp: literally taking a moment to pause (Ho!) and thinking about the December feeling (Ho Ho Ho). On this stamp, Robin (the Robin) has nestled herself in the 'O' of Ho Ho Ho, looking back on her year full of adventures. Surrounded by twinkling stars, she feels the warmth of the season. As the candle gently flickers, Robin sings her own 'Ho Ho Ho', a cheerful invitation to enjoy beautiful memories together and look forward to the time to come.
This is the last December stamp I designed for @postnl.
I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful and kind reactions I have received, truly amazing! What an honor it was to work on this special and cool assignment. Thank you, PostNL!
I wish everyone happy holidays filled with security and love, together with your dearest loved ones! Love, Marieke