Children singing Carols

Familiar sights and sounds of a traditional Christmas are brought to mind by the design chosen for Canada's Centennial year Christmas stamps in denominations of 5¢ and 3¢. The artist has pictured a scene wherein carols and Christmas music are sung by the happy voices of children, all three of whom are suitably clothed for a season when a large part of Canada is under a blanket of snow. The snow-laden evergreen conjures a vision of the traditional yule tree, and towering in the distance is the nation's Peace Tower, a dominant part of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. The association of children with the Peace Tower, itself a symbol of Canada's aspirations, vividly recalls the country's greatest children's party held in the shadow of the Parliament Buildings on our nation's 100th Birthday, July 1st 1967. The singing of carols at Christmas is common to both of Canada's recognized founding cultures. These songs, part of a religious tradition, have, through the years, been supplemented by joyful secular songs appropriate to the season. Music, mankind's traditional medium for the expression of his emotions, has a particular appeal in the joyful celebration of Christmas. The widespread custom of exchanging greetings and gifts is carried out against a background of seasonal music, nowadays extended to embrace a period of weeks prior to the focal point of the observance. Christmas retains its character as a season of goodwill; a tie for children, for loved ones, near and far, and for consideration of those less fortunate than ourselves. The year 1967 is the fourth consecutive occasion of which special stamps have been prepared by the Canada Post Office for use on Christmas mailings. Their release in October is planned to permit use on early overseas mailings.