Christmas stamps, as featured on this year’s COUNTRY LIFE Advent calendar cover, are a cherished annual event– but how did they become one? Emma Hughes investigates

Postmaster Jerry Brown certainly hopes so. “Christmas subsidises the rest of the year for us,” the Suffolk local tells Big Issue. “I say subsidise – we couldn’t survive without a big boost in trade in

HELLO, little one!” Penny Dauntless greeted a robin-redbreast, who cocked his head as she pushed along her trolley of post on the daily round. “How often is there such a perfect mid-December morning?”

LETTERS

They say a pic is worth a thousand words. What does yours say about your special moment? Here one reader shares the story behind her favourite photo

Our pick of your best letters and some wise words from our favourite stars…