It's that time of year again – time to get organised and make sure you post your Christmas cards and presents in time for the big day.

The Post Office has announced its recommended last posting dates for Christmas deliveries.

So make a note of these dates to ensure you don’t get caught out this year.

Recommended posting dates for UK

Second Class – Tuesday, December 20

First Class - Wednesday, December 21

Special Delivery – Thursday, December 22

Special Delivery Guaranteed – Friday, December 23

Recommended posting dates for international

Africa and Middle East – Saturday, December 3

Australia and New Zealand – Saturday, December 10

Germany, Italy and Poland – Wednesday, December 14

Canada and USA – Thursday, December 15

Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland – Friday, December 16

France and Ireland – Saturday, December 17

Christmas Day 2016

Santa is coming in

Christmas service dates

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve – normal deliveries and Saturday collections.

Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day – no deliveries or collections.

Monday, December 26 Boxing Day – no deliveries or collections.

Tuesday, December 27 (Bank Holiday) – no deliveries or collections.

Wednesday, December 28 – normal deliveries and collections.

Thursday, December 29 – normal deliveries and collections.

Friday, December 30 – normal deliveries and collections.

New year 2017 service dates

Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve – normal deliveries and Saturday collections.

Sunday, January 1 New Year's Day – no deliveries or collections.

Monday, January 2 (Bank Holiday) – no deliveries or collections.

Tuesday, January 3 Scottish Bank Holiday – no deliveries or collections in Scotland.

Wednesday, January 4 – normal deliveries and collections in all areas.