Academic painter Ivan Schurmann was born on 28^th June 1935 in Bratislava. He studied at the secondary vocational school of arts and crafts and at the Academy of Fine Arts under Professor Vincent Hložník. He illlustrated more than seventy books, mostly textbooks and children's literature, and enamelled several monumental three-dimensional works. From 1980 Schurmann created many stamp designs, most of all with social and sports themes, which are remarkable by their dynamic drawings.
In this issue the author presents the most beautiful time of a year - Christmas, characterised by his words: "Christmas is full of joy and peace, that the newly born child brought to our hearts, families and communities. Christmas's spiritual power and significant message overlaps and influences our civil life. The drawing expresses my perspective on Christmas that comes with an abundance of gifts, joy in the heart and peace in the soul. The symbolism of Christmas passes all over the world and personally touches every one of us."