It's the most wonderful time of the year - but spare a thought for these people.
A veritable army of Wearside workers makes sure that huge mountains of parcels, post, packages arrive in time for Christmas.
Here are some of them pictured as they deal with festive packages and letters in 1974, 1977, 2012 and 2017.
1. They handle it all
Let's hear it for the workers who have delivered those festive parcels, post and packages for decades.
3. No small task
An insight into the vast piles of Christmas parcels at the William Street office in 1974.
4. Phew. Time for a break
A well-deserved cuppa for these Post Office workers on Christmas Eve in 1974.
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