The Post Office has issued a critical festive alert to millions of Britons, urging them to post their Christmas gifts well ahead of time to avoid missing the big day. With a surge in parcel sending expected, households are being advised to act before the anticipated seasonal peak.
Key Dates for Your Christmas Posting Diary
According to the Post Office, the public has less than a week to prepare before the predicted busiest posting day of the entire season, which is forecast to be Monday, December 8. This date serves as the crucial marker for ensuring gifts are dispatched before the festive logjam.
For those using the most budget-friendly services, the final recommended posting date for Royal Mail 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For is Wednesday, December 17. If you require a quicker standard service, aim to post all Royal Mail 1st Class items by Saturday, December 20 for the best chance of pre-Christmas arrival.
The deadline for the popular Royal Mail Tracked 48 service is slightly earlier, on Friday, December 19. For absolute last-minute gifts, the final option is the premium Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed service, with a final recommended posting date of Tuesday, December 23 for a guaranteed UK delivery before Christmas Day.
Why the Festive Rush is Bigger Than Ever
Post Office director Candice Ohandjanian stated that this season is "shaping up to be one of the busiest yet" for parcel volumes. This is driven by a significant shift in consumer behaviour. A recent Post Office survey reveals a sharp increase in the number of Brits planning to send gifts by post this year, rising from 20 percent to an estimated 33 percent of the population.
Despite 34 percent of people valuing the tradition of sending cards and gifts, a concerning 8 percent admit they leave all their posting until the final, chaotic week before Christmas. This procrastination, combined with the overall increase in volume, is set to create intense pressure on the delivery network.
How to Navigate the Christmas Post Successfully
The Post Office emphasises that its branches are not just for Royal Mail services. They act as convenient drop-off points for a host of other major couriers, including Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri, as well as Parcelforce. This makes them a one-stop shop for many festive senders.
Staff are on hand to offer expert support to make the process as smooth as possible. This includes guidance on complex matters like international shipping, customs forms, and selecting the right delivery option for your needs and budget.
The clear message from the Post Office is simple: do not delay. Planning ahead and posting early is the only guaranteed way to ensure your carefully chosen gifts arrive under the tree in time for Christmas morning, avoiding disappointment and last-minute panic.
