Christmas means good times, not least for the Post Office, which enjoys its most profitable time of year.
But all those cards and parcels whizzing around the country take a real strain on the postal service so the dreaded 'Last Posting Date' is vital if you don't want anyone to miss out.
The basics are simple - first class cards need to be sent by Tuesday 20th December and second by the 17th. But with more and more people sending cards abroad, and parcels, there are a lot of other dates you need to take into account.
UK Delivery
For simple cards, the dates are the 17th and 20th December 2011 respectively, but to avoid any issues when you go to post your Christmas cards, make sure they fit the Royal Mail's size guide.
We all make mistakes – if you accidentally forget to send Great Auntie Pam’s ‘Season’s Greetings’, don’t panic. The Special Delivery deadline is December 22nd, whilst the slightly more expensive ‘Saturday Guarantee’ can be posted on the 23rd. It will cost more but it’s probably a lesser evil to the dressing down you’ll get for missing such an important family member off the Christmas list.
Parcels need to be sent by no later than December 14th 2011, unless, of course, you are willing to reach in the purse for Parcelforce Express’s prices.
International Deliveries
Sorry, but if you were planning on sending something via surface mail, the date has already passed. However, if you get your skates on, Airmail is available, but only until December 5th if you’re sending to a destination outside Europe and the USA. You have until December 9th for anything sent to Eastern Europe, Canada and the USA and the 12th for addresses in Western Europe.
Armed Forces
If a loved one is stationed overseas, it’s vital that cards and gifts get through – in harsh, unwelcoming climates, a message from a family member or friend can make all the difference. If they are currently operational, the BFPO (British Forces Post Office) has made it clear that December 5th 2011 is the deadline.
But as always, the earlier you send your letters and gifts, the better! Not only can you guarantee that they will reach their destination, but you also get the stressful (how many times can you rephrase ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?) experience of writing Christmas cards out of the way, leaving you free to enjoy... wrapping!