The thought of sending a Christmas card may not have crossed your mind yet, but the final posting dates for the festive season are fast approaching. To help you remember, Royal Mail is launching a special postmark. Here's everything you need to know:

The launch of the postmark marks just eight days until the last date for First Class mail - Wednesday, December 21.

Royal Mail has been planning its festive operations since April and is currently preparing to handle millions of items a day in the run up to Christmas.

The special postmark will be applied to UK stamped mail from Tuesday, December 13 and will say 'It's Christmas time! Last posting dates, First class: 21 December, Second class: 20 December'.

A spokesman for Royal Mail, said: 'We don't want there to be any disappointed faces on Christmas morning so we are urging consumers to remember the last posting dates and get their presents and cards in the post early.'

Here's a look at all the posting dates you need to know:

• UK Service

Tuesday, December 20 - UK 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For

Wednesday, December 21 - UK 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For

Thursday, December 22 - Special Delivery Guaranteed

Friday, December 23 - Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed

Those still wanting to write to Santa should mail wishlists and cards to this address:

Santa/Father Christmas

Santa's Grotto

Reindeerland

XM4 5HQ