Christmas Post Dates 2010

Yikes, we agree, it’s too soon to be thinking about Christmas… Or is it? 

Believe it or not, the last posting dates for Christmas 2010 start today – that is, if you need to send anything by surface mail to certain parts of the world.

Wherever you are in the world check the deadlines for posting items overseas in time for Christmas; the dates may be sooner than you’d think. 

The suggested last posting dates are probably worst-case scenarios and your packages will still arrive in time, but why leave it to chance. 

In the UK the Royal Mail recommended last posting dates are as follows:

International Surface Mail Deadlines: 

• 30 Sept (Thurs) – All non-European destinations except Middle East, S. Africa, Far East, USA & Canada
• 5 October (Tues) – Middle East/Far East (except Singapore/Hong Kong)
• 19 October (Tues) – S. Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA
• 9 November (Tues) – Eastern Europe, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Turkey, Iceland
• 23 November (Tues) – Western Europe

International Airmail Deadlines:

• 6 December (Mon) - South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia  and New Zealand
• 10 December (Fri) - Eastern Europe, USA and Canada
• 13 December (Mon) – Western Europe

UK Post Deadlines:

• 15 December (Weds) – Standard Parcels
• 18 December (Sat) – Second Class (also Recorded Signed For)
• 21 December (Tues) - First Class (also Recorded Signed For)
• 23 December (Thurs) – Special Delivery

For pre-sorted, British Forces mail (BFPO) worldwide, sending valuables, or other types of delivery visit the Royal Mail website (Note: last posting dates to some BFPO destinations are by 15 October). 

Before packing any possible prohibited items, check the Royal Mail website (i.e. aerosols, postage stamps, lottery tickets, controlled drugs, obscene materials, toxic, flammable, corrosive, ammunition, counterfeit currency).

Don’t forget, if you plan to write to Father Christmas/Santa and wish to receive a response before Christmas the last posting date is 11 December, although a response is not always guaranteed.  Address letters to:

Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeer Land
SAN TA1

The Royal Mail website has lots more information.  For example, you can find advice on wrapping your packages properly and using their Address/Postcode finder.  Check that you affix the correct postage – again information is on the website, or print diretly from your Mac or PC with online postage. 

On the website you will also find information and ideas on services to create online personalised cards which are printed and sent to your friends, family, customers, etc.  Or create personalised photo-books, diaries or calendars.   Visit the Royal Mail website here.

Christmas is an expensive time, so we’ll do our bit and  help keep expenses down with a low-cost Travel Insurance quote for your winter trip – click here.

Flickr cc Image:  malias (Red pillar box, London)