Last Chance to Post Your Christmas Cards and Gifts!
Nearly 40% of Brits leave their Christmas shopping to the last minute, waiting until the week before Christmas to finish. But beware—the Post Office warns the final posting dates for gifts and cards are fast approaching.
Monday 18 December is the cut-off for Second Class mail, while 20 December is the last recommended day for First Class.
New Delivery Options Boost Last-Minute Sending
Missed the last Royal Mail First Class post? Don’t panic! The Post Office has teamed up with DPD and Evri to offer extra next-day delivery options. You can now buy these services in-branch up to Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December, giving you more time and flexibility.
Customer Experience Director Laura Joseph said, “Many Post Office branches are open longer hours, some even seven days a week. Our new parcel services with DPD and Evri bring greater convenience this Christmas. Plus, you can compare postage online and just drop your parcel off in-store.”
Brits Stick to Tradition But New Christmas Greetings Are Rising
- 78% of Brits plan to send Christmas cards this year—showing the festive tradition is alive and kicking.
- ‘Merry Christmas’ is still king, chosen by 53% as the top greeting.
- ‘Happy Christmas’ is fading fast, with only 16% of Gen Z and millennials using it, versus 65% of baby boomers.
- ‘Happy Holidays’ is on the up, especially with younger folks—Gen Z are eight times more likely than baby boomers to use it.
- ‘Glad Tidings’ and ‘Good Tidings’ are almost extinct, with just 2% clinging on.
Addressing Cards: Old School vs New School
When it comes to addressing Christmas cards:
- ‘Dear’ (44%) and ‘To’ (41%) remain the top openers.
- Sign-offs like ‘Lots of love’ (35%) and ‘Love’ (25%) show we’re a warm-hearted nation.
- 42% use formal titles and surnames (e.g., ‘Mr and Mrs Bloggs’), while 20% add first names too.
- Gen Z and millennials are three times more likely than baby boomers to use just a first name (9% vs 3%).
Crucial Christmas Posting Deadlines
Make sure your cards and gifts arrive on time by posting before these key dates:
- Wednesday 20 December – 1st Class, Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For, Parcelforce Worldwide express48 and express48 Large
- Thursday 21 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed®, Parcelforce Worldwide express24, expressAM, Evri Next Day (before 11am), DPD Next Day
- Friday 22 December – Special Delivery Guaranteed® (Saturday delivery for extra fee), DPD Next Day with Saturday delivery
Don’t leave it to the last minute! Use the Post Office’s Branch Finder and Last Posting Date tools to plan ahead. Whether you prefer ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Happy Holidays’, or something else, make sure your festive cheer arrives on time.
