Christmas is a big deal in Bethlehem, Conn. On top of the music and lights, people travel from all over to add a little flare to their holiday cards.
BETHLEHEM, Conn. — A decades old tradition in one Connecticut town has stamped its way into Christmas history.
“We prepare for this all year long,” said Richard Kelly, Bethlehem, CT Postmaster.
The holiday season is going strong in our state. From toy drives, to Christmas tree lights, and everything in between, every community has some tradition to call its own.
In the little town of Bethlehem, the holiday spirit is alive and well. Christmas is a big deal, and on top of the music and lights, people have traveled from all over to add a little flare to their holiday cards.
"Every year, I just make a point to come here, pick a stamp that I think is cute, and it just adds a little something extra to your Christmas card, and people love it," said Lauren Henry, from Bethlehem.
Each December, the Bethlehem Post Office floods with travelers from across Connecticut and beyond, who take part in the town's time-honored tradition.
More than 90 pictures adorn the stamps used for more than 80 years in Bethlehem. Each year, a new stamp is designed and added collection, featuring the artwork of local talent, which sometimes includes children from the nearby elementary school.
Once stamped, the letters are turned over to the post office, where they are canceled before being mailed out, sharing the name of the place where Jesus was born.
“We also have cards mailed in to us," said Kelly, “I mean we get stuff from the UK, we get stuff from all over the country.”
In a town of just under 3,400 people, the letters sent out from the post office during the holidays is staggering in comparison. In 2025 alone, more than 80,000 cards were sent out, spreading the holiday spirit across the state, country and even all the way in Europe.
"I'm going to guess we've been doing this about 20 years now," said John Basile, from Enfield. "Most of them are going to the United States, but I send two to my relatives in Italy every year."
For the community, the decades old routine has become a family tradition. Peter and Darlene Kubick came from Seymour for the first time in 2022. The couple were celebrating the birth of their new grandson, who has now appeared to join the grandparents at the post office in 2025.
“Lot of families, a lot of history,” said Kelly, “It’s something you can do together and it’s really great…And hopefully it’ll continue on for a long long time after me.”
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