More Awesome additions to my USA Christmas stamps

Just recently I have been able to nearly complete my christmas collection of USA stamps. Everytime I am able to achieve the completion level, the satisfaction is immense. Sure I have a long way to go, not only with these Christmas stamps, but with all of my other collections, but these times are like milestones achieved, like a challenge overcome. I am only putting up the major (in my opinion) additions here. All of it when nearly complete gets to COMPLETE in every which way.

So, here they are. Remember these 1964 stamps, the first American setenants? Chk the following link out too for my earlier mention of these stamps http://mypostagestampscollection.blogspot.in/2011/10/more-stamps-of-usa-commemoratives-1955.html Well, I had the individual single stamps of the set but voila!!!! now Ive got the setenant block.

5c each Holly, Mistletoe, Poinsettia, Sprig of Pine. When it comes to these christmas stamps, one set goes in my christmas album and the other in my country collection album.

1970 Precanceled, Setenant. I, so far had 2 of the following set in the regular issue and one precanceled, http://mypostagestampscollection.blogspot.in/2012/01/usa-christmas-stamps-revisited.html,  6c each Locomotive, Horse, Tricycle, Doll Carriage.

The setenant block of the regular issue now remains to be obtained, acquired as one of the few completion factors.

Another first, this was the first self-adhesive US stamp to be issued. Although this 'Dove of Peace' Christmas stamp's design was attractive, the new self adhesive gum used was anything but to collectors. Over time, the gum bled into the stamp, causing yellowing. Also they couldn't be soaked to get them off envelopes. I love this one and am glad to have it now.

Some blocks of 4 with traffic lights of single individual stamps I already had. These are awesome additions too. Both are 1987 issues

And finally this last one from 1992. 29c each Fire pumper, Riverboat, Horse and rider, Train engine

Do feel free to add your thoughts, comments or suggestions

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One more from Canada

And after the USA, I think its Canada that I receive the most covers from. I got this one from Maryam. Thanks so much for this wonderful cover Maryam. I love the stamps and the cancellation.

The setenant pair on the cover is a May 2011 issue by Canada post depicting two of the more unusual methods of mail delivery. The history or facts behind the two stamps makes for an interesting read and as given in the ''details on the stamps'' on the Canada post portal, is as below.
In the winter of 1910, a snapped telegraphic cable severed communications between the people the Magdalen Islands north of Cape Breton and the mainland. Faced with isolation, the leaders of the community rigged a ponchon—a large barrel used for transporting molasses—with a rudder and sail, marked with the inscription “WINTER MAGDELEN MAIL.”

Prior to the air mail advances of World War I, the only reliable method of mail delivery in northern Canada in winter was by dog team, a practice that persisted in more remote regions until the early 1960s. Dog breeds and sledding equipment varied, depending on the terrain, climate and era. Today, every January, the Gold Rush Trail Dog Sled Mail Run allows mailers to have envelopes carried by dog team and delivered via Canada Post.

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Christmas - Sweden

My christmas stamps of Sweden

Christmas, 1989 Booklet

Decorated tree and straw goat - 2k.10

Candelabra and food - 2k.10

Star, poinsettia and tureen - 2k.10

Decorated tree and straw goat - 2k.10

Girl watching television - 2k.10

Family with present - 2k.10

Christmas, 1990

Four of the set of six 

Christmas, 1997 & 1999

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Burundi

Once part of the Belgian territory, Ruanda-Urundi. Independent on 1 July 1962, when a monarchy was established. After a revolution in 1967 Burundi became a republic.

1963 Prince Rwagasore Memorial and Stadium Fund. Complete Set

1f., 5f. Prince and stadium; 1f.50, 6f.50 Prince and memorial.

1963 1st Anniv of Admission to UNO. Emblems and values in black. Complete Set
8f. ITU; 10f. WMO; 20f. UPU; 50f. FAO.

1964 Canonization of 22 African Martyrs. Inscriptions in gold. Complete Set
1f., 8f. Group of martyrs. HORIZ: 4f., 14f., Pope John XXIII and King Mwambutsa IV.

1965 Worlds Fair, New York (2nd series) with silver backgrounds. Complete Set

1965 International Co-operation Year. Complete Set
1f. Globe and ICY Emblem
4f. Map of Africa and cogwheel emblem of UN Science and Technology Conference
8f. Map of South-East Asia and Colombo Plan emblem
10f. Globe and UN emblem
18f. Map of Americas and “Alliance for Progress” emblem
25f. Map of Europe and CEPT emblems
40f. Space map and satellite (UN—“Peaceful Uses of Outer Space”)

1966 Prince Rwagasore and Pres. Kennedy Commemoration. Complete Set
10f. Prince Rwagasore and Pres. Kennedy; 20f. Pres. Kennedy and memorial library. 40f. King Mwambutsa at Pres. Kennedy's grave.

1967 Churchill Commemoration. Complete Set
5f. Sir Winston Churchill and St. Paul's Cathedral; 15f. Tower of London; 20f. Big Ben and Boadicea statue, Westminster.

1967 1st Anniv of Republic. Complete Set
5f. Pres. Micombero and Flag
14f. Memorial and Arms
20f. View of Bujumbura and Arms
30f. “Place de la Revolution” and President Micombero

1969 Air. Human Rights Year. Complete Set
Hand holding Flame

1970 International Educational Year. Complete Set
3f. Library
5f. Examination
7f. Experiments in the laboratory
10f. Students with electron microscope

1971 Easter. Complete Set
3f. “The Resurrection” (Il Sodoma)
6f. “The Resurrection” (Del Castagno)
11f. “Noli Me Tangere” (Correggio)
14f. “The Resurrection” (Borrassa) (air)
17f. “The Resurrection” (Della Francesca)
26f. “The Resurrection” (Pleydenwyurff)

1971 International Letter-writing Week. Paintings by Durer. Complete Set
6f. “Venetian Girl”
11f. “Jerome Holzschuhers”
14f. “Emperor Maximilian”
17f. Altar painting, Paumgartner
26f. “The Halle Madonna”
31f. Self-portrait

1971 Christmas. Paintings of “Virgin and Child” Complete Set
3f. “The Virgin and Child” (Il Perugino)
5f. Del Sarto
6f. Morales
14f. Da Conegliano (air)
17f. Lippi
31f. Leonardo da Vinci

1971 UNESCO “Save Venice” Campaign. Complete Set
3f.+1f. “Archangel Michael” (icon, St. Mark's)
5f.+1f. “La Polenta” (Longhi)
6f.+1f. “Gossip” (Longhi)
11f.+1f. “Diana's Bath” (Pittoni)
10f.+1f. Casa d'Oro (air)
17f.+1f. Doge's Palace
24f.+1f. St. John and St. Paul Church
31f.+1f. “Doge's Palace and Piazzetta” (Canaletto)

1972 Easter. Paintings. Complete Set
3f.50 “Ecce Homo” (Metzys)
6f.50 “The Crucifixion” (Rubens)
10f. “The Descent from the Cross” (Portormo)
18f. “Pieta” (Gallegos)
27f. “The Trinity” (El Greco)

1972 Christmas. “Madonna and Child” paintings Complete Set
5f. A. Solario
10f. Raphael
15f. Botticelli
18f. S. Mainardi (air)
27f. H. Memling
40f. Lotto

1973 Centenary of Stanley/Livingstone African Exploration. Complete Set
5f. H. M. Stanley
7f. Expedition bearers
13f. Stanley directing foray
15f. Dr. Livingstone (air)
18f. Stanley meets Livingstone
27f. Stanley conferring with Livingstone

1974 Christmas. Showing “Virgin and Child” paintings. Complete Set
5f. Van Orley
10f. Hans Memling
15f. Botticelli
18f. Hans Memling (different) (air)
27f. F. Lippi
40f. L. di Gredi

Do feel free to add your thoughts, comments or suggestions
NOTE: Please click on the images for a larger view / closer look.