Guernsey Post’s philatelic bureau is delighted to announce that it has released Bailiwick Christmas stamps celebrating one of the best known carols, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Alderney stamps depict verses one to six of the traditional song, from the partridge in a pear tree through to six geese a-laying. Each illustration captures the charm of the carol with snowy backdrops and festive greenery that brings the lyrics to life.

Meanwhile, Guernsey’s stamps complete the story, illustrating verses seven through to 12. The designs feature dancers, a swan, milkmaid and a drummer, with each stamp sharing a festive background of seasonal greenery and soft winter tones.

The song itself is thought to have originated as a memory-and-forfeit game sung during festive gatherings, before first appearing in print in 1780 in the children’s book Mirth Without Mischief. The melody most familiar today was arranged by English composer Frederic Austin in 1909, whose version introduced the now-famous drawn-out phrase “five gold rings.”

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: – “The Twelve Days of Christmas is such a joyful carol, and we’re delighted to see it brought to life across this year’s stamps. Together, the Guernsey and Alderney stamps provide a complete visual interpretation of this timeless carol, offering collectors and senders a festive series that spans all 12 verses. We hope they will bring a touch of Christmas magic to the cards and letters sent around the world this season.”

Guernsey and Alderney reduced-rate stamps (64 pence – standard Christmas card rate) will be available for use between 24 November and 22 December.

Both sets of Christmas stamps are available to order at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0) 1481 716486.