Christmas deadline for posting by Royal Mail is looming and you don't have long

Christmas is just a matter of a few days away, so the mad dash for last minute shopping is well and truly upon us.

And for those of you who've still not sent off your cards or presents yet, you will need to get a move on if you want them to arrive in time.

A few weeks ago it was announced that members of the CWU union has decided to take national strike action amid calls for better pay.

Workers are set to take strike action this week, with workers dropping tools 14, 15, 23, and 24 December.

It means the run up to Christmas has been made decidedly more difficult for shops and businesses to get their parcels and packages delivered on time.

So if you're planning on sending a card to a family member or friend, you really don't have long left.

According to the Royal Mail, the last recommended day for sending 2nd class letters, signed for and Royal Mail 48 letters and parcels was... yesterday (12 December).

Which isn't much use now for those of us who are well behind on our festive organisation, is it?

However, there is some good news.

There is still a bit of time to make sure your letters get to where they need to this Yuletide.

That's because 1st class post, 1st class signed for, Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 will still be an option until this Friday (16 December).

The Royal Mail's website also says customers can use Royal Mail Tracked 24 right up until 19 December for arrivals by Christmas Day.

However, speaking to the Telegraph, a source said there is a major backlog of items that need to be delivered.

"The back-up of the post is really bad. Royal Mail is focusing on parcels and there is not a lot of room in the model for letters," they said.

"Christmas cards will likely be very late with some certainly not arriving until February."

Merry Christmas.