December may have only just begun, but now is the time you should be thinking about when to send those Christmas cards and presents by post.



If you leave it too late, parcels may not reach your loved ones in time for the big day, or your Christmas cards might turn up when everyone is ready to take them down.

Royal Mail have compiled a list of dates to adhere to if you want a smooth Christmas when it comes to sending parcels and cards, and some of the most important ones here.

To reach loved ones before Christmas Day
Tuesday, December 20: The last delivery day for Second Class post

Wednesday, December 21: The last day for First Class post.

Thursday, December 22: Last day for Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed

Friday, December 23: Last day for Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed.

If you are sending mail abroad
Wednesday, December 7: The last day for Cyprus, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia), Turkey, Malta

Thursday, December 8: Caribbean, Central and South America

Saturday, December 10: Greece, Australia, New Zealand

Wednesday, December 14: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland

Thursday, December 15: Canada, Finland, Sweden, US

Friday, December 16: Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland

Saturday, December 17: Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

Normal deliveries and Saturday collections apply on Christmas Eve, however, there will be no collections or deliveries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 27, New Years Eve (Saturday collection rules apply), New Year's Day and Monday, January 2.

The Royal Mail advises people to make sure they have clearly labelled envelopes with a return address on the back. It says people should always use a postcode to ensure mail reaches its destination on time.

Thank you for that info, most useful.