With only two months until the big day, Australia Post is encouraging people to get cracking on Christmas shopping, announcing the all-important last sending dates for delivery within Australia.

For sending to and from most destinations within Australia via Parcel Post, parcels should be sent by Monday December 12, or if sending via Express Post by Monday December 19.

People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days, and should aim to send their parcels by Wednesday December 7 for Parcel Post and Wednesday December 14 for Express Post.

Christmas cards being sent within the same State or Territory should be posted by Monday  December 19, or if sending interstate by Thursday December 15.

Last year, Australia Post said it delivered 52 million parcels in December.

Any customers wanting to send cards and gifts overseas for Christmas are encouraged to check auspost.com.au/Christmas for the international dates, which vary depending on the destination.