Royal Mail unveils traditional Nativity scenes on its 2026 Christmas stamps, marking 60 years since the first festive issue

Designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland jointly created the five-stamp set, depicting Mary and Joseph travelling, the infant Jesus, an angel, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men in bold, colourful illustrations. Sutherland, who collected stamps as a child, called the commission a career highlight. Royal Mail is urging customers to post early, with key deadlines of December 18 for second-class and December 21 for first-class mail.

Britain's first Christmas special stamps appeared on 1 December 1966, originating from a children's art competition that postmaster general Tony Benn had launched.

Recent years' stamps featured snowy cathedral scenes and carol lyrics, making this year's return to the Nativity a deliberate nod to tradition.

Royal Mail is also releasing new Armistice Day stamps on 11 November, marking 110 years since the Battle of the Somme.