It is a regular complaint that Christmas celebrations start earlier every year and that stores put up festive displays as soon as Thanksgiving is over.

But it appeared the 2021 festive season had started even earlier after scores of people got Christmas cards in the post this week.

But the cards were sent last year and arrived months late rather than too early.

Mail delivery services last Christmas were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic after flights to the island were reduced and staffing levels at the Post Office were cut as people were asked to work from home.

But one Christmas card recipient asked on Facebook: “Anyone else just received backlogged mail?

“Today I received five Christmas cards posted in UK in November. Where has it been for four months?”

The post sparked a wave of comments from dozens of people - who all reported similar experiences.

One replied: “I’ve had eight this week. Can’t figure out where they’ve been.”

Another added: “Yup! One posted on November 30 and one posted February 19. Both came today.”

A third said: “Yes, we got some November post this week. Guess they found a bag somewhere.”

One disgruntled Pembroke resident added: “I have friends in England who, in the run-up to Christmas, kept on asking me if I had received their cards.

“They finally arrived this week – three months late.

“We got about ten in one go. Where have they been all this time?

“It seems all the cards I sent to the UK last year got there on time.”

A Government spokeswoman did not respond to questions about the late deliveries.