A guide to the last Christmas posting dates for international airmail, the UK inland service and special deliveries.
International standard (Airmail)
• Wednesday, December 3 for Asia, Far East (including Japan) and New Zealand.
• Thursday, December 4 for Australia.
• Friday, December 5 for Africa, Caribbean, Central and South America and the Middle East.
• Monday, December 8 for Cyprus, eastern Europe and Greece.
• Tuesday, December 9 for Canada and Poland.
• Friday, December 12 for USA.
• Saturday, December 13 for western Europe.
UK Inland services
• Thursday, December 18 for 2nd Class.
• Saturday, December 20 for 1st Class.
• Tuesday, December 23 for special delivery guaranteed.
Steve Johnson, sub-postmaster at Anlaby Post Office, says he is gearing up for a busy festive period.
He said: "The Royal Mail has increased the size of its small parcel format, which means customers will be able to put bigger items – or more items – into every small parcel they send. "At the same time, Royal Mail is running a festive price promotion until January 18, with a saving of £1 on second-class small parcels weighing between 1kg and 2kg. "We are hoping that this can help to make a massive difference, not just to people sending presents but also to small businesses and Ebay sellers who send parcels day in, day out." For more information about Christmas postage, visit the Post Office website.