With only 56 days until Christmas, Australia Post will officially kick off the festive season on Monday by releasing its traditional Christmas stamp series.

“Australia Post is providing plenty of Christmas stamp options for those wanting to beat the rush and get into the festive spirit at the earliest opportunity,” said Group Manager Philatelic for Australia Post, Mr Noel Leahy.

“For two hundred years, Australia Post has delivered Christmas cards and we estimate that around 70 million cards will be sent this Christmas ensuring the tradition is as popular as ever” said Mr Leahy.

“We know many people like to start sending Christmas cards early so we release our Christmas stamps at the start of November each year”.

“As always, card-only stamps will be five cents cheaper throughout the Christmas period. Just remember to write ‘card only’ on the envelope.”

When choosing Christmas cards, senders should remember to select standard card sizes (no larger than 130mm x 240mm) to qualify for the 50c stamp rate for Australia and $1.25 stamp rate for overseas.

This year’s Christmas stamps will feature three themes: iconic figures from the Nativity, familiar symbols of the Christmas season and creatures from Christmas Island.

Designed by Mike Heine, the Nativity issue features the Virgin Mary cradling her newborn son on the 50c stamp, while the $1.25 design for international mail depicts the three Wise Men offering gifts to the baby Jesus.

Australia Post will also offer 5 x 50c stamps featuring Christmas candles and star, a Christmas tree, Christmas presents and Santa’s hat, Christmas baubles and bell, candy canes and a Christmas stocking.

The Christmas Island issue features a new international $1.25 stamp depicting the endemic Christmas Island Frigatebird.

The full Christmas range can be obtained from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 or online at auspost.com.au/stamps from 2 November 2009 while stocks last.