2012 First-Class Forever Stamp,Contemporary Christmas: Snow-covered Houses at Night

U.S. #4715
2012 45¢ Snow Covered Buildings
Santa and Sleigh

Issue Date: October 13, 2012
City: New York, NY

Quantity: 187,500,000

Printed By: Ashton Potter

Printing Method: Offset

Perforations: Die Cut 11

Color: multicolored

Small towns and large cities all over America prepare for the holiday season with a visit from Santa. In a southern Indiana town, Jolly Old St. Nicholas is welcome all year long.

In 1852, pioneers discussed possible names for their new town for months, but they could not reach an agreement. The townspeople met after the Christmas Eve service to decide on a name. The sound of distant sleigh bells were heard through the open door, and a child exclaimed, “It’s Santa Claus!” Immediately, the citizens knew what they would call their home. On May 21, 1856, the town opened the only post office in the world named Santa Claus.

Other than its name, the Indiana town was similar to most its size until 1933. Milton Harris settled in the area that year and began producing decorative sleighs. He then bought property and constructed Santa Claus Town.  Soon there was a candy castle and toy shops, where children can experience the excitement of Christmas morning throughout the year.

Santa and his reindeer fly over many quiet villages and bustling cities as they make their yearly trip. They are welcomed by brightly lit displays and Christmas trees in town squares. For the weary North Pole travelers, the place that feels most like home may be the town named for Santa himself.