Holiday Postage Stamps: 4 Design Details Behind the Holiday Wreath Forever Stamps
Want a closer look at these Holiday Postage Stamps? The 2019 Holiday Wreath Forever booklet features four different wreath designs, not one repeated image. Look closely, and you’ll spot folded leaves, gilded pinecones, dried flowers, and red winterberries.
USPS issued the set on October 25, 2019, as First-Class Mail Forever stamps in a booklet of 20. I’ll walk you through the four designs and the artists behind them, then explain what the Forever label means if you already have this booklet.
Holiday Postage Stamps with Botanical Detail
The wreaths share a familiar seasonal shape, but their materials make each stamp distinct. USPS says the designs were inspired by early American wreath traditions and use winter botanicals such as pinecones, dried flowers, foliage, and berries. You can read the full 2019 USPS issue announcement for the original design descriptions.
Holiday Postage Stamps in Four Designs
Ribbon-Folded Aspidistra Leaves
If you enjoy botanical details, look for this one first. USPS says the Aspidistra leaves were folded and shaped to resemble ribbons, with the idea inspired by French floral art. The leaves form the wreath’s decorative loops themselves, which gives the design an unusual, sculptural look.
Gilded Pinecones and Magnolia Pods
This wreath pairs gilded pinecones and magnolia pods with cranberry-red ribbon. You notice the metallic finish against the deeper ribbon right away, while the cones and pods keep the composition rooted in natural textures.
Hydrangea, Eucalyptus, and Nandina
Dried hydrangea, eucalyptus, and nandina foliage appear with red berries and small ornaments. Red and gold ribbon ties the arrangement together. I find this the most layered design: flowers, leaves, berries, and ornaments all share the same small frame.
Woodland Ivy and Red Winterberries
The last wreath combines woodland bush ivy with red winterberries. Its red-and-green palette is the most immediately familiar. If you like a classic holiday palette, the berries and varied leaves make this one easy to recognize.
Holiday Postage Stamps and Their Artists
Floral artist Laura Dowling created the wreaths. Kevin Allen photographed them, and USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with Dowling. Dowling had previously served as the White House’s chief floral designer; in a USPS profile of Dowling, she said she wanted the designs to celebrate the holiday season while including the broader winter season.
That mix of floral design and photography is part of what makes this set interesting to me. You’re seeing arranged botanical materials—leaves, pods, ribbon, and berries—captured as four distinct postage-stamp compositions.
Holiday Postage Stamps with Forever Value
USPS issued the four designs as First-Class Mail Forever stamps in booklets of 20. A genuine unused Forever stamp remains valid at the current domestic First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate, so the design does not stop being usable when the holidays end. Our guide to whether Forever stamps expire explains the value in more detail.
Holiday Postage Stamps FAQs
What are the four Holiday Wreath designs?
They feature folded Aspidistra leaves; gilded pinecones and magnolia pods; gilded dried hydrangea, eucalyptus, and nandina with red berries and ornaments; and woodland ivy with red winterberries.
Who created the Holiday Wreath stamps?
Floral artist Laura Dowling created the wreaths. Kevin Allen photographed them, and USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with Dowling.
When were the Holiday Wreath stamps issued?
USPS issued the Holiday Wreath stamps on October 25, 2019, in Freeport, Maine.
How many stamps came in the booklet?
The 2019 issue came in booklets of 20 First-Class Mail Forever stamps, featuring four wreath designs.
Can you use Holiday Wreath stamps after Christmas?
Yes. Genuine unused Forever stamps remain valid after the holidays and keep the current value of a one-ounce domestic First-Class Mail letter.
The Holiday Wreath product page currently shows the set as sold out, so check for updated availability before you buy. If you’re browsing other seasonal designs, see our Christmas and Holiday stamp collection.