Christmas stamps, with a seasonal design, and used in vast numbers to mail Christmas cards, are the most familiar, but in recent years a number of other types have appeared.
Unlike commemoratives, they are issued some weeks in advance of the occasion being marked, so that they are available during the season of interest.
In addition to Christmas, many other holidays have been marked by special stamps; Japan has long issued New Year's Day stamps for postcards, and other nations have followed suit.
Generally timed to appear before Valentine's Day, they are also used on wedding invitations throughout the year.
The United Kingdom and United States have issued various greeting card stamps with slogans replicating standard greeting card topics, such as "Happy Birthday!"