Four secular and Christian motifs adorn this year's self-adhesive special stamps for the Christmas season. The figures depicted can still be found today on traditionally decorated Christmas trees. The “Snowman” (face value: CHF 0.85) symbolises winter and the wish for a white Christmas. This hope is also kept alive in numerous Christmas carols. The “Nutcracker” (face value: CHF 1.00) is a Christmas symbol, especially in its home country of Germany. But it also found its way into the world after the Second World War: The manufacturer of the wooden figure had to leave the Erz Mountains and move to Hanover as many American soldiers were stationed there and returned home with a nutcracker as a souvenir. The “Rocking Horse” (face value: CHF 1.50) also plays a role in many Christmas poems and songs. As this toy was only used in wealthy families for a long time due to its originally elaborate design, it became a symbol of unfulfilled wishes for poorer sections of the population. It is a well-known fact that “Angels” (face value: CHF 2.00) play an important role as heavenly messengers in the biblical Christmas story.