ROYAL Mail has revealed that today is the 'absolute latest' to send Christmas post by second class.

In an announcement, the mail service explained that December 18 is the final day to send post for Christmas by second class, and any later would have no guarantee of arriving in time for the big day.

Royal Mail also revealed that the final day to send first class post for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Wednesday, December 20.

Laura Joseph, Post Office customer experience director said “The absolute latest dates you can post are December 18 for second class and December 20 for first class if you want your items to arrive in time for Christmas using standard post, but if things have got on top of you and you’ve missed these dates, we do have 'Special Delivery Guaranteed' and next-day services, moving the very last date to December 22. 

"For the first time in 360 years, you can now buy services from other providers over the counter at your local Post Office.

"Posting a parcel with Evri gives you a last posting date of December 19, and DPD Next Day sent on December 22 will get there for December 23, too.

"But if you can, we really urge you to get your posting done early.

"Our branches are extremely busy this time of year, so if you’re posting something that won’t fit through a letterbox, the earlier you can head into a branch the better. "

Laura added: "There are over 11,000 branches nationwide, so you can find a time and branch that meets your needs."

The last posting dates for arrival before Christmas Day are: 

Monday, December 18

  • Royal Mail second class 
  • Royal Mail second class 'signed for' 

Tuesday, December 19

  • Evri Standard (if posted before 11am)  

Wednesday, December 20

  • Royal Mail first class 
  • Royal Mail first class 'signed for' 
  • Parcelforce Worldwide express48 and express48 large  

Thursday, December 21        

  • Special Delivery Guaranteed
  • Parcelforce Worldwide express24. expressAM 
  • Evri Next Day (if posted before 11am)  
  • DPD Next Day  

Friday, December 22 

  • Special Delivery Guaranteed® (Guaranteed Saturday delivery for an extra fee) 
  • DPD Next Day with Saturday delivery