Last-Minute Christmas Shoppers Beware: Post Office Issues Urgent Deadlines
Nearly 40% of Brits won’t start their Christmas shopping until the final week before the big day. The Post Office has issued a stark warning: the final posting dates are looming fast if you want your cards and gifts to arrive on time!
‘Glad Tidings’ Dies Out, ‘Happy Holidays’ on the Rise
Christmas greetings habits are shifting dramatically. Traditional phrases like ‘Glad Tidings’ are vanishing, while ‘Happy Holidays’ is gaining ground, especially with younger generations. The classic ‘Merry Christmas’ remains the nation’s favourite, chosen by 53% of people. But ‘Happy Christmas’ is rapidly fading, with just 16% of Gen Z and millennials using it, compared to 65% of baby boomers.
Interestingly, younger folks are eight times more likely to say ‘Happy Holidays’ than older generations, although it still trails behind old favourites.
Post Office’s New Delivery Options to Save Christmas
Missed the last first-class post date? No sweat. The Post Office now offers new ‘buy-in-branch’ services in partnership with DPD and Evri. These next-day delivery options, alongside Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, mean your parcels can still reach loved ones – but only if you hurry!
Final recommended UK posting dates for Christmas delivery are:
- Monday 18 December: Last day for Second Class posting
- Wednesday 20 December: Last posting for 1st Class, Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For, and Parcelforce express48 services
- Thursday 21 December: Last day for Special Delivery Guaranteed, Parcelforce express24 and expressAM, plus Evri and DPD Next Day (Evri before 11am)
- Friday 22 December: Special Delivery Guaranteed (Saturday delivery available for extra charge) and DPD Next Day with Saturday delivery
How We Address Cards: Tradition vs Modern Twist
Most Brits stick to traditional greetings and sign-offs. ‘Dear’ (44%) and ‘To’ (41%) top the list for addressing cards. When it comes to signing off, warm phrases like ‘Lots of love’ (35%) and ‘Love’ (25%) remain popular.
Envelope addressing also stays classic: 42% use titles with surnames (“Mr and Mrs Bloggs”), while younger folks prefer using just first names three times more than baby boomers.
Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director: “No matter if you say ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Happy Christmas’ or ‘Season’s Greetings’, it means nothing if it arrives late. Plan ahead and use our Branch Finder and Last Posting Date tools to stay on track. Many branches are open longer hours and even seven days a week. Our new DPD and Evri parcel services offer greater convenience – and you can even buy postage online and just drop it off in-store.”
So, don’t leave your festive posting to the last minute. Get those cards and gifts in the post NOW before it’s too late!
