IF YOU’RE planning on sending any Christmas cards or packages to loved ones around the world, you have just one day to prepare items for standard delivery to the US, Australia and other long-distance locations.

The final day for delivery of cards and parcels within the Republic and to Northern Ireland is 19 December (21 December for registered mail, 22 December for courier delivery).

Meanwhile, parcels addressed to other parts of Britain should be posted by 17 December and by 18 December for letters. Courier delivery will get post mailed by 20 December to its location in time for Christmas.

Parcels to Europe should be mailed by Tuesday week (13 December) and letters by 18 December for standard delivery before the big day.

However, anything addressed to the US or other parts of the world should be mailed by tomorrow if they’re to make it on time.

A spokesperson for An Post says anyone sending anything in the post should ensure they have a return address clearly marked on the item in case there are any problems with the delivery.

He also said parcels should be wrapped properly and securely before posting.

The last pre-Christmas collections and deliveries will be operated on the Friday before Christmas (23 December).

See An Post’s website for further information on Christmas postage dates.