This 1962 U.S. Christmas 4¢ First Day Cover features the nation's first Christmas postage stamp, postmarked in Pittsburgh, PA on November 1, 1962. The Art Craft cachet depicts a festive scene of Victorian carolers singing by candlelight, with a snowy village and church in the background, accompanied by the text "Season's Greetings" and "Christmas 1962."
The stamp itself shows a traditional Christmas wreath with three glowing candles and a red bow, marking the beginning of the U.S. Postal Service's annual Christmas stamp series that continues today. Issued during the early 1960s, these stamps reflected growing national interest in holiday philately and seasonal postal themes.
A notable detail is the Art Craft cachet's circular vignette design, which cleverly frames the carolers against a city street scene while incorporating the "First Day of Issue" inscription directly on the envelope. The cover bears a clear Pittsburgh postmark and the stamp's red "Christmas 1962" banner.
This example remains in collectible condition with a crisp cancel and attractive cachet, making it an appealing addition for collectors of U.S. Christmas stamps, Art Craft FDCs, or mid-century American postal history.
