Keeping in touch is more important this year than ever.

Some of us may have got out of the habit of sending Christmas cards, but they could be especially important in 2020. Here are the all-important dates to make sure yours get to the people you care about:

Final posting dates

International Economy:

Monday, November 16: Western Europe

International Standard/ International Tracking:

Friday, December 4: Australia, New Zealand

Wednesday, December 9: Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central and South America, Far and Middle East

Thursday, December 10: Canada, Cyprus, Malta

Friday, December 11: Greece, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Turkey

Saturday, December 12: Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA

Wednesday, December 16: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland

Friday, December 18: Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

Friday, December 18: 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For

Monday, December 21: 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For

Wednesday, December 23: Special Delivery Guaranteed

For more information go to royalmail.com/christmas

And it’s not just your nearest and dearest you need to consider when it comes to postal wishes - children sending letters to Santa this year must have them posted by Friday, December 11.

The Royal Mail is responsible for shipping thousands and thousands of letters to Father Christmas and his elves every year as well as then delivering the replies he writes in return.

Families with youngsters hopeful that they’re on the nice list are being reminded to send their cards, letters and pictures in good time to stand a chance of hearing from the main man before things get too hectic at the North Pole.

Excited boys and girls desperate to tell Father Christmas what they’ve been up to this year and what they would like for Christmas can send their letters to: Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ.

It’s important, say Santa’s team of postmen, that the address is written carefully and clearly on the front, and that a stamp on the envelope is also included.

Father Christmas will try to reply, free of charge, to Royal Mail letters sent by Friday, December 11 providing that youngsters have included their full name and address within the letter.

You may need to wait up to 10 days for your reply.

Santa says: “I’m looking forward to delivering your presents on Christmas Eve. Make sure you remember my mince pie and Rudolph’s carrot!”

Families wanting to know more about the Royal Mail festive service should visit royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa

For more Christmas news across Kent click here.