The Postal Service will issue four 34-cent Holiday: Santas self-adhesive stamp in Santa Claus, Indiana, on October 10, 2001. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, goes on sale nationwide October 11, 2001. The stamps will be produced in a self-adhesive pane of 20 (Item Number 551500); a self-adhesive convertible booklet of 20 (Item Number 665100); self-adhesive vending booklet of 20 (Item Number 665000); and a 21-cent postal stamped card (Item Number 883100).

The 2001 Holiday: Santas stamps feature four images (circa 1915-1920) that represent part of the rich folklore of Santa Claus. Over the centuries, numerous cultures have contributed to the legend, and these images are part of that tradition. The story of Santa Claus begins with St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop in Asia Minor. St. Nicholas was considered a generous gift giver and protector of children and his reputation flourished throughout Europe. When the Dutch landed in the New World, they named St. Nicholas - Sinterklaas in Dutch - as their patron. In America, the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas merged with the English tradition of Father Christmas, creating the character that we know today as Santa Claus.