When do you start writing your Christmas cards? Late November? Early December? Maybe even the week before Christmas, if you're running low on time? 

Not surprisingly, Queen Elizabeth seems to outdo all of us when it comes to festive season preparation, as she reportedly starts writing out her Christmas cards during the summer! According to Mirror, the Queen and Prince Philip get a head start on their Christmas preparation during their summer stay at Balmoral. Their cards go out to family members, friends, acquaintances, and government officials, as well as various organizations. 

Queen Elizabeth reportedly signs the cards in one of three ways, depending on her relationship with the recipient. She signs with "Lilibet" on cards for close family members, "Elizabeth" when addressing friends, and "Elizabeth R" when signing cards for co-workers. Card recipients who don't know the Queen personally reportedly receive a rubber stamped signature. As for the amount of cards she sends, the royal family's website states that the Queen sends out about 750 cards each year — which might explain why she starts prepping in the summer.