This 1973 First Day Cover features the U.S. 8¢ Christmas stamp postmarked in Washington, DC on November 7, 1973. The cover bears an official Art Craft cachet depicting a lavishly decorated Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped gifts and ornaments, with the text “season’s greetings CHRISTMAS 1973.”
Christmas stamps have been a U.S. tradition since 1962; the 1973 issue continued the annual celebration of the holiday season with colorful, child-friendly imagery of a tree adorned with candy canes, gingerbread figures, and ornaments. The Art Craft design complements the stamp perfectly, reinforcing the festive theme.
A notable detail is the cachet’s “Official FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” inscription and the distinctive pixel-art style “CHRISTMAS 1973” lettering at lower left, a signature Art Craft touch from the era. The cover is addressed to San Diego, California, a common practice among collectors who requested serviced FDCs by mail.
In fine condition with a clear Washington, DC first-day cancel, this cover makes an attractive addition to any Christmas topical or modern U.S. FDC collection.
