An Post is urging people to post their Christmas letters and presents early

Many of us have friends and family living in all different corners of the world, so ensuring they feel like they're still part of our Christmas is key. They may not be able to head back to Galway from Australia this year but we can do our best to spread some Christmas joy their way.

Whether that's through a card, a box of Tayto, or a care package from home, thousands of parcels will be sent all around the world this Christmas.

If you're planning on posting internationally this year then make sure to get your cards and parcels sent by the following dates:

• USA- Parcels and registered post should be sent by December 5th. Letters and express post should be sent by December 10th
• Europe- Parcels and cards should be sent by December 17th
• UK- Parcels and cards for the United Kingdom need to be sent by December 18th
• Northern Ireland- Parcels and cards should be sent by December 19th
• Republic of Ireland- Domestic parcels and cards should be sent by December 22nd
• Rest of the World - Parcels for countries not mentioned above should be sent by December 5th

An Post also has this advice for customers:

• We always encourage customers to Shop Local and Shop Irish before looking further afield.
• Leave plenty of time for gift shopping online
• Get your parcels and cards into the post as early as possible,
• Always seal envelopes and pack items carefully, checking the full postal address and including your return address details. 
• Visit your post office or anpost.com/Christmas for more

READ MORE:

• Incoming ‘free’ HRT scheme labelled as a disappointment for many women by Irish pharmacist
• Underconsumption core is back as younger generations push back against consumerism
• Saoirse Ronan stuns in Louis Vuitton at the Governor’s Awards
• Noah Kahan set to play Dublin’s Marlay Park next summer