The best day to send festive cards and presents has been revealed following analysis of the post of Christmas past.
Brits have been urged to ensure gifts have been wrapped and dispatched by Monday December 11 to avoid the rush and guarantee delivery in time for the big day.
Research has revealed that date is also likely to be the one on which the largest number of people brave the cold to get their gifts and cards sent to loved ones.
But with 30 percent saying they leave it until within a week of Christmas Day to have all their shopping done, crowds are likely to remain sizeable all the way through to the main event.
And with just eight percent of people planning to do all their Christmas shopping online this year, many of us will be taking to the streets to soak up the festive atmosphere, meaning branches could be busier still.
The Post Office’s Annual Christmas Survey also shows the nation is entering into the festive spirit, with the excitement for Christmas never higher than this in the three years of the Post Office Annual Christmas Survey.
More than a third of Brits (35%) were so enthusiastic they started their Christmas shopping in October.
The Post Office’s Laura Joseph said: “It’s wonderful to see so much excitement for Christmas and enthusiasm for getting out onto the high street this year.
“You can help to avoid the rush by posting early to make sure gifts and cards arrive in plenty of time.”
Thirty-two percent are concerned that they will be unable to afford it this year, although this is down on last year (41 percent).
The first thing people will sacrifice to save money this year are Christmas parties (24 percent), followed by visiting Santa (18 percent) and putting up Christmas decorations (15 percent).
The very last things to go would be Christmas dinner (8 percent) and minced pies (11 percent).
For the first time in its 360-year history, Post Office enables customers to be able to choose other parcel carriers over the counter in branches, as well as Royal Mail Group – as it announces DPD and Evri as new in-branch carriers.
Laura continued: “Posting early is a great way to capitalise on different posting options and rates.”
For more information this Christmas period, head to the Post Office’s Christmas hub
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here