Date of Issue : 3 Nov 2022
Postmark : Bethlehem
Denomination : 2nd Class, 2nd Class Large, 1st Class, 1st Class Large, £1.85 and £2.55
Stamp Size : 39 mm x 30 mm
Paper : Self-adhesive Stamp Paper, Phosphor Coated with Barcode
Printing Process : Lithography
Some people call the Christmas story the greatest story ever told. The 2022 Christmas stamp issue by Royal Mail focuses on the key moments from the traditional Christmas story – the Annunciation (2nd Class), Journey to Bethlehem (2nd Class Large), Holy Family (1st Class), Angel (1st Class Large), Angels and Shepherds (£1.85) as well as the Magi following the star (£2.55). The stamps are portrayed in a fresh and contemporary feel, which at the same time includes references to art deco to add a timeless quality to the retelling of the classic Nativity story.
This is also the first time Royal Mail has issued a fully barcoded festive stamps set. Such barcoded stamps were first introduced by Royal Mail in Feb 2022 in an effort to tackle fraud and also make it easier to track post. The idea with barcoded stamps is that customers would be able to scan the barcodes using the Royal Mail app. The stamps will have a 'digital twin' and the two will be connected by the app. Paving the way for innovative services, the long term plan is to make it possible for people to watch videos and send birthday messages through such barcodes.
The Christmas stamps issued by Royal Mail have been featuring an outline of Queen Elizabeth II in the corner for more than 50 years, since 1967. This 2022 set of Christmas stamps would be the last Christmas stamps that feature the Queen's head.