NAZARETH, Mich. — Every year, thousands of Christmas cards and envelopes are sent to the Nazareth Post Office in Kalamazoo County, all to receive a hand stamp cancellation. This tradition has become a favorite among people who love sending holiday greetings.
During the busy holiday season, the post office is filled with people dropping off packages and buying stamps. However, it is the number of Christmas cards pouring in that truly keeps the post office staff busy. Each card that arrives at the post office is given a hand cancellation stamp.
Postmaster Terri Sootsman told FOX 17 that they receive around 38,000 letters from all over the world every December, all requiring a hand cancellation. The hand cancellation involves stamping a black mark over the stamp, so that it cannot be reused.
With her retirement just around the corner, she's grateful to see the tradition is alive and well. She believes that there is plenty of demand for the hand cancellation service and sees no reason for it to stop. Not only does it bring people to the post office, but it also adds to the spirit of the entire Christmas season.
