'Post early for Christmas.'

That has been the prevailing wisdom ever since the early days of the Royal Mail.

And today we have delved into our archives to give a glimpse behind the scenes at the Norwich Sorting Office to celebrate the people who have made sure our post got where it needed to be in years gone by.

Norwich Evening News: Mail bags all marked up with their destination make the job a little easier for these workers on the Christmas post at the Norwich Sorting Office in 1960.Mail bags all marked up with their destination make the job a little easier for these workers on the Christmas post at the Norwich Sorting Office in 1960. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: Some of the half-million letters and Christmas cards which it is estimated will be handled at the Norwich sorting office. Barrow-loads of parcels and more in the mountain of sacks in the background. Dated: December 20, 1965.Some of the half-million letters and Christmas cards which it is estimated will be handled at the Norwich sorting office. Barrow-loads of parcels and more in the mountain of sacks in the background. Dated: December 20, 1965. (Image: Newsquest)

Do you still send and receive Christmas cards?

Some portray peaceful scenes and others depict quirky cartoons.

You might only scribble brief notes to loved ones or you might include lengthy letters updating your nearest and dearest on the year's news.  

Norwich Evening News: An employee organises Christmas post at the Norwich Sorting Office in December 1960. An employee organises Christmas post at the Norwich Sorting Office in December 1960. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: Staff working hard to sort the estimated half-million letters and Christmas cards projected to be handled (1965) at the Norwich sorting office. Dated: December 20, 1965.Staff working hard to sort the estimated half-million letters and Christmas cards projected to be handled (1965) at the Norwich sorting office. Dated: December 20, 1965. (Image: Newsquest)

But today many people are no longer sending them, instead preferring to share their festive greetings on social media. 

Yet there is a special magic to sending and receiving Christmas cards - especially when the telltale thud of mail landing on your doormat brings about that age-old excitement of the unknown.

Norwich Evening News: A stamp cancelling machine is put through its paces at the Norwich sorting office during the festive season of 1957.A stamp cancelling machine is put through its paces at the Norwich sorting office during the festive season of 1957. (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich Evening News: The Sorting Office at Norwich in Thorpe Road on August 24, 1962.The Sorting Office at Norwich in Thorpe Road on August 24, 1962. (Image: Newsquest)

Please enjoy these photos and let us know if you have memories of working at the Norwich Sorting Office or recognise anyone shown in the comments below. 

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.