Post Office says this is the date you should send your Christmas cards and parcels by

DON’T BE LATE: The Post Office says this Christmas is ‘shaping up to be one of the busiest ever’ (Image: Getty)

The number of people planning to send gifts this Christmas has jumped from 20% to 33% compared to last year, according to a survey for the Post Office. The poll also found that 34% of us consider sending Christmas parcels and cards an important part of our festive tradition.

Despite this, only 33% plan to post their gifts and cards by early to mid-December, while 8% admit they will send everything in the week leading up to Christmas. This could put pressure on delivery services during the peak festive period.

Post Office branches remain a central hub for festive posting, offering collection and drop-off points for Royal Mail, Parcelforce, Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri in selected locations, reports Josie Clark. The Post Office has urged people to organise sending their parcels ahead of the expected busiest day at its branches on December 8.

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Post Office braces for busy festive season

Post Office mails and parcels director Candice Ohandjanian said: “This Christmas is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet, with nearly three quarters of Brits planning to buy the same number, or even more, gifts for loved ones than last year. And when it comes to sending those carefully chosen presents, the local Post Office remains the main place the public relies on to ensure they arrive safely.

“Whether it’s expert advice on international shipping, help with customs forms, finding the best delivery option, or simply a convenient spot to collect or drop off parcels, Post Office is here to make Christmas sending stress-free.”

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