Last postal dates for Christmas 2022 – when to have your gifts and letters sent off
By Sarah Finnan
01st Dec 2022
01st Dec 2022
Nathan Lemon via Unsplash
Christmas is just around the corner but long postal delays are always an issue so the sooner you get your parcels sent off, the better, according to An Post.
The first of December came upon us alarmingly quick, and many people are likely hoping to tie up any loose ends ahead of the Christmas rush. As one of the busiest times of the year for An Post, it’s always better to leave plenty of extra time for delays so the earlier you get your cards, presents and Santa letters sent off the better.
Millions of people all over the world rely on post to send Christmas gifts and parcels to loved ones, and this year is no different, so while these are the last recommended dates, the same advice remains: get your goods sent off as early as possible.
The latest posting dates to ensure delivery before Christmas 2022 are as follows:
Standard post letters
- Republic of Ireland: December 22
- Northern Ireland: December 20
- Great Britain: December 19
- Rest of Europe: December 19
- USA: December 12
- Rest of the World: December 7
Standard post parcels
- Republic of Ireland: December 22
- Northern Ireland: December 20
- Great Britain: December 19
- Rest of Europe: December 13
- USA: December 7
- Rest of the World: December 7
Registered post
- Republic of Ireland: December 22
- Northern Ireland: December 20
- Great Britain: December 19
- Rest of Europe: December 13
- USA: December 7
- Rest of the World: December 7
Express post
- Republic of Ireland: December 22
- Northern Ireland: December 20
- Great Britain: December 19
- Rest of Europe: December 19
- USA: December 12
- Rest of the World: December 12
International courier service – only available at selected post offices
- Great Britain: December 19
- Rest of Europe: December 19
- USA: December 16
- Rest of the World: December 16
An Post warns that international mail delivery times are estimates and subject to local postal operator delays. Customers should also note that there will be no mail collection on Christmas Eve (December 24) or December 28. Mail delivery and collection services return on December 29.
As for letters to the North Pole, An Post also has you covered in that department thanks to Santa’s Little Helpers, Orla and Dara. In fact, they’ll even make sure that you get a personalised reply from the big man.
Fashion your own letter or download one of the templates from the An Post website then post your note to Santa Claus at the North Pole using an ‘N’ rate stamp and wait for a reply. Be sure to include your child’s name and address on your original letter too… Santa is smart but he has lists to check and presents to make, so no harm in making things a little easier for him where possible.
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