Christmas deadline to send post by Royal Mail revealed

It's nearly that time of year again when you're trudging to the post box with armfuls of Christmas cards.

As soon as Royal Mail reveals the new collection of festive stamps, it should prompt you to get your parcels sent out as soon as possible.

In the words of Mariah Carey - who has just defrosted on 1 November - 'It's time!'

Royal Mail has now revealed this year's deadline to make sure your Chrimbo deliveries arrive on time.

Brits who want to beat the Yuletide rush have been urged to send their post off 'early', especially if it's going further afield.

But first - lets see what stamps you will be sticking on them.

This year's lot are inspired by classic carols and feature festive lyrics from 'We Three Kings', 'Silent Night', 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', 'Away in a Manger' and 'O Holy Night'.

The seasonal stamps are the first to feature the silhouette of King Charles too, so collectors should keep an eye out.

They also feature a barcode, which when scanned will take you to a Christmassy video starring Shaun the Sheep and his pals, which was created by the Aardman animation studio.

The deadline for sending your Christmas post will soon be creeping closer. Credit:Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Anyway, back to the cut-off point to send your Christmas post.

Royal Mail has urged customers to get prepared for gift-giving in advance so that posties can deliver on time.

So, for your cards and presents to arrive on schedule for the big day, you should send them by 18 December for second class, 19 December for first class and December 22 for special delivery.

Royal Mail has also recommended getting your online shopping done in a timely fashion too.

Those who are planning on sending international tracked post have even less time to get sorted.

Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

If your parcel is bound for Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, Bulgaria, the Caribbean, China, Far and Middle East, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, or Spain, get it sent off by 6 December.

Christmas correspondence heading to Cyprus and Malta should be posted by 7 December.

Brits sending seasonal surprises to the US, Turkey and the majority of other European countries need to get to the postbox by 8 December.

Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, David Gold, said: "For many, the launch of the annual Christmas stamps is the signal to begin writing those Christmas cards.

"The charming style of these designs, which were inspired by the carols that are so familiar to us all, set the perfect tone for the festive season."

Topics: Christmas, UK News, News

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_