Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Last Postal Dates Not Too Far Away

Last Christmas Postal Dates not too far away!

“This year – avoid that last minute Christmas scramble down to the Post Office!” says Douglas Alexander MP

Royal Mail tells us this year 40 million people will shop online for gifts, and a staggering 700 million Christmas cards are expected over the festive season. Within the UK, Royal Mail Standard parcels must be posted by Wednesday 14th of December; 2nd class cards by Saturday 17th; and Tuesday 20th for 1st class cards.

Douglas said “Maybe, like me, every year you say “I’ll be more organised next year” but then the year simply flies by so quickly and Christmas is upon us again! All too soon the last minute scramble down to the Post Office seems a familiar repeat task.”

“Some bigger shops and online companies have their own courier delivery arrangements of course, but there is no doubt Royal Mail is the frontline of most folk’s Christmas post.”

“Take a note of these dates, particularly for those needing to send cards and gifts abroad. Airmail to Australia and New Zealand must be away by the 5th and the U.S. just a few days later on the 9th December.”

“Check out http://www2.royalmail.com/greetings (or call 08457 740 740) for full details of all Christmas posting dates and services - including Christmas, or even personalised, stamps and for children, details of how to send a Letter to Santa. All those with a stamp attached, and posted to Santa by the 14th of December, should receive a return letter all the way from Reindeerland!”

“Don’t forget to write clearly address your post – and consider if your card needs the ‘large’ stamp!”