by Freya, age 9, asks how much Christmas stamps cost in 2025, about the River Tyne, and Newcastle’s industry
Dear Santa,
Alright Santa, from Newcastle. My name is Freya and I am 9 years old. My gran keeps a little tin of stamps ready every December, and last year she grumbled a fair bit about how much pricier they had gotten compared to when she was young.
My first question is: how much did Christmas stamps cost in 2025?
My second question is geography: what river runs through Newcastle?
My third question is from school: why is Newcastle famous for shipbuilding and coal in its history?
I left you a stottie cake, a soft flat bread, filled with ham.
Love, Freya, age 9, Newcastle, England
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Freya, a stottie cake with ham is a proper Geordie treat, thank you very much. Now, to settle your gran’s grumbling, and your other questions.
How much did Christmas stamps cost in 2025?
Following a price increase in April 2025, a UK first class stamp, Christmas designs included, cost 1.70 GBP, while a second class stamp cost 87 pence. Christmas stamps have always been priced the same as ordinary stamps of the same class, since the festive design does not change the postage cost itself, only the picture. Your gran is quite right that prices have climbed steadily over the years, but she can rest assured the Christmas design was never charged any extra.
What river runs through Newcastle?
The River Tyne flows through Newcastle, spanned by several famous bridges, including the iconic Tyne Bridge, which has become one of the most recognised symbols of the city.
Why is Newcastle famous for shipbuilding and coal?
Newcastle sat at the heart of England’s coal mining industry for centuries, and that abundant coal, combined with access to the River Tyne, helped the city become a major centre for shipbuilding through the 1800s and 1900s, launching vessels that sailed all over the world.
Tell your gran her stamps were fairly priced after all, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
