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Christmas Posting 2025 — Everything You Need to Know from your local Stow Post Office
The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re planning to send Christmas cards, letters, or gifts, it’s time to get organised! Here’s a helpful guide from your local Stow post office on the key posting dates, what services to use, and some handy tips to make sure your post reaches loved ones in time.
Last Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas 2025
According to Royal Mail, the last posting dates for UK inland services (to aim for delivery by Christmas) are:
| Service | Last Posting Date |
| 2nd Class / 2nd Class Signed For | Wednesday 17 December 2025 |
| 1st Class / 1st Class Signed For | Saturday 20 December 2025 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Sunday 21 December 2025 |
| Special Delivery Guaranteed | Tuesday 23 December 2025 |
For international and BFPO mail, much earlier posting is required. If you’re sending gifts abroad, or to military addresses via the British Forces Post Office (BFPO), you’ll need to post well in advance. For example, for standard international mail, the latest dates may fall in early December.
Our Recommended Timeline
- Use Tracked 24 / Special Delivery for last-minute items, but still aim for the dates above.
- Before early December: If sending internationally or to overseas/ remote destinations.
- From early to mid-December: Posting UK gifts, cards, parcels using tracked or first class services.
- By Wednesday 17 Dec: Postal items using 2nd class to arrive in time.
- By Saturday 20 Dec: For first class / signed for services in the UK.
Local Tips for Stow & Surrounding Areas
- Post early: Peak volumes mean delays are more likely the closer we get to Christmas.
- Correct postage: Make sure you’ve applied the right stamp or paid the correct amount — under-paying can delay delivery.
- Clear addressing: Include full postcode and a return address, so your item can be returned if necessary.
- Use tracked or guaranteed services: If the item is important or time-sensitive (e.g., a gift or card to an elderly relative), opting for tracked or special delivery gives extra reassurance.
- Wrap and package carefully: Fragile gifts especially need good protection — damaged parcels often disappoint more than late ones.
- Check for service updates: There may be local disruptions, holiday-related changes, or weather impacts. The Royal Mail service update page is helpful.
- Consider posting early: If you’re able, posting even a week or more ahead gives you breathing space and avoids last-minute stress.
Additional Considerations
- Saturday/holiday collections: Be aware of changes in delivery or collection schedules around bank holidays — e.g., Christmas Day (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec) will have no standard collections or deliveries.
- Gifts vs. cards: Gifts often require extra packaging, may have to go via tracked services, and could face customs/ import checks if abroad. Postal services are under heavier pressure than cards.
- Late-posting risk: Even if you post on the “last recommended date”, it is not guaranteed that delivery will arrive before Christmas. The advice is to send earlier if you can.
- Local post office opening hours: In the run-up to Christmas, your local branch may have extended hours. It’s worth checking so you know until when you can drop off items.
In Summary
This Christmas, give yourself peace of mind by posting as early as possible, using the right service, clearly addressing your items, and taking advantage of tracked or guaranteed options for priority mail. With the last recommended dates in mind, you’ll be able to get your festive mail away in good time — and avoid the last-minute scramble.
If you’re local to Stow and would like help at the post office — whether in choosing the right service, buying stamps online in advance, or packing a gift safely — pop into your branch. Our friendly staff are here to help you get everything ready for a stress-free festive posting season.
Wishing you a smooth postal run and a very happy Christmas!