On 23 October, Åland Post will issue the 2026 Christmas seals, illustrated by artist Juta Policja. The decorative seals complement the 2026 Christmas stamps on the theme “Winter dreams”. Proceeds from their sale will be support the Finnish Lighthouse Society’s efforts to preserve Åland’s lighthouses and maritime heritage.
“By issuing Christmas seals, we continue a long tradition of supporting local non-profit organisations and initiatives. This year’s Christmas seals depict small winter pleasures that brighten the dark, cold season, such as a steaming cup of tea or a handmade paper snowflake. By buying this year’s Christmas seals, you add a touch of gold to your cards and parcels, while also helping to preserve our maritime history for future generations”, says Johanna Finne, Head of Stamps at Åland Post.
The Finnish Lighthouse Society works to preserve lighthouses in Åland and Finland, their history and associated cultural heritage. Among other initiatives, the society has been instrumental in restoring the Märket lighthouse in the Sea of Åland. In autumn 2025, it published Åland – Sjöriket, a book exploring the historical relationship between the people of Åland and the sea, as well as the islands’ maritime heritage. In summer 2026, a three-year project was launched to restore the pilot’s cottage on Sälsö, Sottunga.
“The pilot’s cottage on Sälsö can be seen from afar by those travelling along the shipping route between Finland and Sweden. Together with the leading light on Sälsö and the large stone cairn on the neighbouring island of Södö, it forms part of a unique setting. This summer, the Lighthouse Society and local islanders began restoring the pilot’s cottage. It is now protected from rain and snow, ready for next year’s round of volunteer work”, says Pekka Väisänen, who has been a driving force behind the project for the Finnish Lighthouse Society.
Facts about the issue
Christmas seals 2026
Date of issue: 23 October 2026
Artist: Juta Policja
Design: Fredrika Sarling
Edition: 2 000 sheets
Seal size: 30 × 25.5 mm
Sheet size: 210 × 145 mm
Seals/sheet: 20 self-adhesive seals
Paper: self-adhesive 120 g/m²
Process: 5-colour offset
Printer: Gutenberg AG