ILLUSTRATIONS of the nativity by the artist Paula Doherty feature on this year’s Christmas stamps released by Royal Mail on Tuesday.

The five designs are the Virgin and Child (1st class), Mary and Joseph (2nd class, large letter), shepherds (1st class, large letter), an angel (2nd class), and the Wise Men (£3.40).

A press release says: “The illustrations for this year’s Christmas stamps celebrate the beauty of surface and texture. The designs evoke the richness of inlaid marble, enamelling, marquetry, and collage — each suggesting a tactile, crafted quality. These techniques share a common thread: assemblage.

“Through various fragments brought together in harmony, Paula’s work offers a fresh and vibrant interpretation of the Nativity story.”

Royal MailRoyal Mail

The director of external affairs and policy of Royal Mail, David Gold, said: “For many people, once the Christmas stamps go on sale, the seasonal preparations can begin. There’s something truly magical about this time of year, and these stamps capture that spirit perfectly. We are very grateful to Paula Doherty for these beautiful illustrations, which set the perfect tone for the festive season.”

Ms Doherty said: “I’m so delighted that my designs will finally be out in print, and feel excited and slightly overwhelmed to think that they will be on envelopes flying all around the world this Christmas.

“The hardest part of the whole process was keeping my involvement under wraps, as the unveiling of the Christmas stamps is part of the magic; so I couldn’t tell anyone until their release. It was a long time to keep a secret.”

royalmail.com/christmas2025