Christmas has many traditions but making sure all the cards and presents you've bought reach their intended destination in time for the big day has always been one of the most crucial. And, with December 25 just over a month away, Royal Mail has shared those all important last posting dates to help you get everything that needs mailing signed, sealed and sent.
However, with industrial action by workers in the Communication Workers Union (CWU) confirmed for today (November 24) and tomorrow - along with Wednesday, November 30, and Thursday, December 1 - being on top of things would appear all the more essential. There's also potential for more strike dates to be added in the future.
So the tip is to post early to avoid any potential delays due to the extreme amount of post over the Christmas period. What is more, if you're planning on sending things internationally, you might not have as long left as you first thought.
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And, while those just sending stuff around the UK have slightly longer to do so, the clock is definitely ticking should you want to avoid disappointment. So here is a list of this year's seasonal posting dates in order to ensure all your festive goodies get where they need to be, by the time they need to be there.
The last UK posting dates for Christmas delivery
- December 16 - Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy
- December 19 - 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48
- December 21 - 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24, Royal Mail Tracked 48
- December 22 - Royal Mail tracked 24
- December 23 -Special Delivery Guaranteed
Or if you're planning on posting further afield, here are the dates for the last possible posting dates for abroad.
International standard and international tracking and signature services
- December 1 - Australia and New Zealand
- December 2 - China (People’s Republic)
- December 5 - All remaining Caribbean destinations
- December 7 - Africa, Asia (except China, People’s Republic), Central and South America, Far and Middle East
- December 8 - Cyprus and Malta
- December 9 - Greece, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Turkey
- December 10 - Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA
- December 12 - Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
- December 14 - Belgium, France, Luxembourg
Further information and FAQs can be found on the Royal Mail's website here.
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