The Post Office has issued a festive plea to customers, urging them to organise and send their Christmas parcels ahead of what is predicted to be its busiest day of the year, which falls on Monday, December 8.
Festive Sending Surge Expected
New research commissioned by the Post Office indicates a significant increase in the number of Britons planning to send gifts this Christmas. The survey found that 33% of people intend to post presents, a notable rise from just 20% who said the same last year.
Furthermore, over a third of respondents (34%) consider the act of sending Christmas parcels and cards to be an important festive tradition. Despite this, planning appears to be lagging, with only a third (33%) aiming to post their items by early to mid-December. A further 8% admit they typically leave everything until the final week before Christmas Day.
Branch Services and Expert Advice
Post Office branches offer a wide range of services beyond traditional Royal Mail and Parcelforce. Customers can also use thousands of branches to drop off and collect prepaid parcels for other major carriers, including Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri at selected locations.
Candice Ohandjanian, Post Office Mails and Parcels Director, commented on the anticipated festive rush. "This Christmas is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet," she said, "with nearly three quarters of Brits planning to buy the same number, or even more, gifts for loved ones than last year."
She emphasised the continued role of the local Post Office, stating it remains the main place the public relies on to ensure gifts arrive safely. Ohandjanian highlighted the support available, from expert advice on international shipping and customs forms to finding the best delivery option and providing convenient collection points.
Act Early to Avoid Stress
The core message from the Post Office is clear: acting early is key to a stress-free Christmas. With the peak sending day of December 8 fast approaching, customers are encouraged to prepare their parcels sooner rather than later to beat the queues and ensure timely delivery.
The organisation positions itself as a one-stop shop for all festive sending needs, aiming to simplify the process during the busiest period in the postal calendar.
