Intent of this first U.S. Christmas stamp was twofold: to be used on season's greeting cards and to remind the public to shop and mail early. The card, which only barely hinted at the religious nature of the holiday season, brought complaints. Announcement of the stamp was greeted with complaints from those who felt the principal of separation of church and state would be violated by its release. However, protests never reached a level that tested the resolve of the U.S. Post Office Department.