For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations 
December 18-19, 1999:


Cancelling Christmas.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.


Many post offices around the country are offering special 
illustrated Christmas postmarks -- pictorial CANCEL-lations 
with holiday themes. Each year, these offices handle 
thousands of extra cards and letters. They've hired 
temporaries and community volunteers are helping, too.


The towns have names like Bethlehem, Noel and even Christmas. 
I got a card the other day postmarked in Rudolph, Wisconsin, 
with you-know-who in the cancel. Some of these post offices 
not only use special postmarks, but will also rubber stamp a 
cachet, or design, on the left side of your envelope.


There's no charge for these services, other than postage. 
Just put your mail into a box or envelope, and send it to 
one of these post offices. You can find them in the post 
office directory in YOUR local post office.


Now, with time short as we approach Christmas, your cards 
might not get back to your friends and relatives before the 
holiday.


But if you're like me, that's not unusual.

And that's stamp collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News. 

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