R4501as

Christmas Wildlife

Christmas Wildlife

Ermine - The Drummer

“Christmas Fur”

Signature

Collins Cover Announcement

Christmas Wildlife - 2008

Ermine — "Christmas Fur"

The ermine is actually the winter phase of the short-tailed weasel. It is found throughout the northern temperate zones of North America, Europe, and Asia. With a snow-white winter fur coat, this sleek animal has been used in art as a symbol of purity. In Japan because of its adorable appearance, it is considered a symbol of good luck. In Europe, the fur is a symbol of royalty.

Twenty years ago in 1988 I started doing a "Christmas Wildlife" series that featured both Christmas stamp issues. It has become very popular with collectors. The wildlife art on this year's edition shows a winsome ermine with pure white fur poking his head out of his burrow on Christmas morning. He is framed by a natural wreath of boughs, cones, and berries. The watercolors make this seasonal First Day Cover a delight. Collins #R4501 — $13.75.