Royal Mail deliver late Christmas cards in February

Former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis is among those receiving late Christmas cards

For some it's a "joyful" surprise - for others, "deceitful" and "depressing".

An unknown number of people have been receiving Christmas cards in February and are now offering their reactions - with limited festive cheer being delivered to Royal Mail.

While the late (or very early) arrivals were a pleasant surprise to some, the company was criticised for advertising a service it failed to deliver.

Royal Mail said the vast majority of Christmas letters arrived on time.

It added that the postal service's performance over the festive period was its best in years.

Former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis was among the listeners to tell BBC Radio 4's Today programme they were receiving late Christmas cheer.

"What a joyful thing to get a Christmas card in February," Ms Ellis, the mother of pop superstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor, said.

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"I think Santa's elves are on a bit of a go-slow or maybe they're working in advance."

Others, like Mike Barnard from New Milton, Hampshire, were not so pleased.

Mr Barnard sent 45 cards first class to friends and family last Christmas, many of whom only received them at the beginning of February.

"I think it's a shocking performance and I don't really understand why it's necessary," he said.

"I think it will damage their [Royal Mail's] business.

"I don't think Royal Mail should be offering service they can't deliver... it's deceitful."

Mr Barnard said he won't bother sending physical cards again this coming Christmas, and instead donate the money he would have spent on postage to charity.

"I think its depressing and unnecessary," he told BBC News.

Mike Barnard fears slow deliveries may signal the death of Christmas Cards

A Royal Mail spokesperson said Christmas 2023 was its "best performance in four years", and 99% of first and second class items posted by the last recommended posting dates were delivered by 25 December.

They added: "We would be happy to investigate any reported cases to determine if there were any local issues that may have impacted delivery."

Advocacy group Citizens Advice said research indicated Royal Mail Christmas delays have increased over the past few years.

It found 17% of customers had issues with parcels and 25% had issues with letters last Christmas.

'Rather lovely on a murky day in February'

However, many callers into the Today programme said the late arrival of their letters was a pleasant surprise.

Lizzy Campbell, from Eye in Suffolk, said it was "rather a lovely card to receive on a very murky day in February".

Sarah, from Kingsclere in Hampshire, received a card on 30 January that was posted second class from London on 14 December.

"I must say it was a nice surprise to get a card so late, and particularly from friends who I thought had crossed me off their list.

"I must have thought I'd done something wrong, but I hadn't."