BETHLEHEM: THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS (WALES!)

For over 2,000 years the name Bethlehem has been positively associated with birth, life, and new beginnings; with stars, wisdom, and, above all, with Christmas - and, therefore, with celebration and gift giving.

Here in Bethlehem's namesake in Carmarthenshire, Wales, we've been keeping up those traditions for over 100 years.

Having its own Post Office - despite its tiny population - Bethlehem was able to establish the tradition of sending Christmas cards stamped Bethlehem, and people came from all over Wales, and even England, to get that unique stamp. For some, it became an annual Christmas pilgrimage.

And, even when the Post Office closed, the village has kept up that tradition by opening its village hall (once its school) for people to have their cards Bethlehem stamped with proceeds going to the village hall fund.

In the age of Covid that's not really possible, so bethlehem.wales is keeping up that tradition - and updating it for our times.

The village hall fund will continue to benefit from every stamping,but the stamping has changed from an old style 'John Bull' ink stamp to a beautifully designed four colour transfer, and the website intends to become the online shop for many local products that make wonderful Christmas presents.

Do come and visit again when you're thinking about Christmas 2022, and see what's on offer.

In the meantime, we wish you as merry a 2021 Christmas as possible.

GARN GOCH CIC

This website is owned and managed by Garn Goch CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that is Limited By Guarantee, which means its directors can never receive dividends.

To find out more about Garn Goch, the largest ancient stone monument in Britain, click here.

When you buy anything on this site you will see that it is processed through the Garn Goch CIC account.

All excess funds generated through this website are distributed by Garn Goch CIC to local good causes, and a donation made to the Bethlehem village hall fund for each and every Christmas card processed.

Making Christmas better for everyone, that's what we're all about.