CHRISTMAS IS NEARLY upon us. Hopefully you were super organised and posted your Christmas cards and presents weeks ago.

Giphy Giphy

But if not – the last day to post Christmas cards within the Republic of Ireland to arrive in time for Christmas is tomorrow, 21 December 2016.

Last dates

Lee Cannon Lee Cannon

If you want to send your letters and parcels by standard or registered post, tomorrow is absolutely the last day you can send them to arrive before Christmas. But if you use Express Post you get an extra day – you can use Express Post until 22 December 2016.

Get your letters there safely

Shutterstock / Laura Bartlett Shutterstock / Laura Bartlett / Laura Bartlett

It’s not just about posting your letters on time,  you also need to help An Post – who are dealing with up to 7.5 million items per day in the run up to Christmas – to make sure your letters and parcels arrive as quickly and easily as possible.

Here are some tips:

• Write the address as clearly as possible in capital letters.
• Always include a sender’s name and address in the top left hand corner of the item.
• Make sure you have the correct postage for the destination, mail type and service.

Packaging presents

Shutterstock / aboikis Shutterstock / aboikis / aboikis

If you’re sending parcels through the post, here’s some advice on packaging them properly so they arrive in the best condition possible:

• If there is more than one item in a package, wrap each separately.
• Make sure there is enough padding to protect everything – shake to check items aren’t moving inside the parcel.
• If posting delicate items, wrap each in bubble wrap and write FRAGILE on the parcel.
• Use the correct tape. Do not use cellophane, masking tape, or string.

Letters to Santa

Shutterstock / Pressmaster Shutterstock / Pressmaster / Pressmaster

Hopefully you already got your letter off to Santa, but just in case you haven’t, remember:

• Santa’s address is: Santa Claus, North Pole.
• Use a 72c stamp.
• Include your name and address for a reply if Santa has time.

Have you sent all your Christmas post yet? Let us know in the comments below.

Remember, tomorrow is the last day to send your Christmas post to the Republic of Ireland. Head to An Post now to calculate postage rates and everything else you need for your presents and cards to arrive safely. Merry Christmas!