Royal Mail issues deadline warning to Brits buying last minute Christmas presents

No matter how organised we all promise we'll be in January, Brits are still running around like headless chickens in the lead up to Christmas.

Some of us are still looking for stocking fillers and ransacking the shelves on 24 December, but if you're posting your presents, you really need to get a move on.

Royal Mail have now issued a reminder of their mailing deadlines over the festive season so that people can hopefully avoid disappointment on the Big Day.

Those who are in the gift giving spirit have been urged to send their parcels off 'as early as possible' to ensure they arrive on time for Christmas.

Posties are pushed to the brink during the month of December, as people want to spread the festive cheer by sending cards and presents to their family and friends.

Apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, the UK's postal service is operating as usual, but with a whole lot more demand to keep up with.

Royal Mail has shared their postal deadlines over the festive season (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

So, the last thing your poor local postal worker needs is someone giving them a rollocking at the front door and complaining about a package not turning up.

Which is why we should all do our bit to keep things running smoothly and head to the post office ASAP with our special deliveries.

And not to alarm you, but we are now just a little over a week away from 25 December - so you really ought to finish your shopping soon anyway.

In a post shared on X on Monday (15 December), Royal Mail announced their annual Christmas deadlines.

It read: "If you're sending items for Christmas, we have some latest posting dates coming up for our UK Inland Services.

"Please post as early as possible to ensure your items reach their destination in good time."

Brits have been urged to get their parcels sent off as soon as possible (X/@RoyalMail)

Brits were then informed that if they are sending their mail 2nd Class or 2nd Class Signed For, they need to get it dispatched by Wednesday (18 December).

Those using 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For or Royal Mail Tracked 48 have until Friday (20 December) to get their gifts sent on their way.

If you are planning on opting for the Royal Mail Tracked 24 service, you've got a bit of grace and have until Saturday (21 December) to send your parcels off.

And if you're using Special Delivery Guaranteed, you just need to get to the post office by next Monday (23 December) to ensure your presents will arrive in time for Christmas.

You can visit Royal Mail's website for more information on postal deadlines over the festive season.