The 1965 Christmas issue consisting of the 3 cents and 5 cents denomination stamps was released on October 13, 1965. The stamps were designed by Helen Roberta Fitzgerald.
The Post Office described the design as follows:
"The design is a symbolic and formal presentation of the traditional gifts of gold, frankincense and myrh. A blend of ancient symbolism in the presents and of a modern form of art in the stylized graphics was selected to underscore the continuing ideals and celebrations of Christmas".
The sheet stamps were printed untagged and tagged. A miniature pane of the 3 cent denomination was available untagged and tagged.
Essays
3 cent essays
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
5 cent essays
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office announcement first day cover
Two-flag cachet used to mail the announcement of the release of the Christmas stamps. This envelope was mailed to Belgium.
Overseas Mailers
Rosecraft
Jackson
H and E
Tagged Stamps
Usages
Domestic Third Class
Toronto to Port Credit, December 13, 1965
3 cents domestic third class rate
Stamp from miniature pane (left side straight edge)
Domestic Forward Letter
Estevan to Hamilton, December 18, 1965
5 cents forward letter rate
Winnipeg to Aylmer, December 10, 1965
5 cents domestic forward letter rate
Stamp: Winnipeg tag
Surface letter to the U.S.
Ottawa to New York, December 17, 1965
5 cents surface letter rate to the U.S.
Air Mail Letter to the United States
Halifax to Chicago, December 1, 1965
8 cents air mail letter rate to the United States
International Air Mail
Sherwood Park, Alberta to Frankfurt, Germany, November 13, 1965
15 cents air mail rate to Europe
Military : NATO Forces in Europe
Air Mail Letter
RCAF Wing 3, CFPO 106 Zwiebrucken to Clinton, November 17, 1965
15 cents air mail letter rate to Canada