With Christmas just around the corner, Royal Mail have now published their recommended domestic and international last posting dates for Christmas 2018.

Sending cards and presents across the UK
To ensure your loved ones receive their gifts on time for Christmas, you’ll need to send letters and packages at the latest:

Saturday 22 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed
Friday 21 December – Tracked 24
Thursday 20 Dec – 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For, Tracked 48
Tuesday 18 Dec – 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For

Sending your post abroad
These are the last days to post for international standard mail with Royal Mail:

Monday 10 December – Greece, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand
Friday 14 December – Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland and USA
Saturday 15 December – Finland, Sweden
Monday 17 December – Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
Tuesday 18 December – Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

Keep in mind, there are no deliveries or collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27 December, New Year’s Day and 2 January. For more details check the Royal Mail website. 

Missed your posting date?

If you missed your Royal Mail posting date, don’t panic. There are other delivery companies such as Parcelforce, DPD, myHermes – they do late Christmas deliveries. However, be aware that they often charge more. Delivery comparison website such as Parcel2Go can help you to find the most affordable.

When is the last day to send a letter to Father Christmas?

Royal Mail will send a letter from Santa Claus for free. Post him a letter by Friday 7 December, and make sure you include a full name and address so he can write you back. Santa’s address is:

Santa / Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeerland
XM4 5HQ