A veteran Royal Mail postman has issued a heartfelt plea to the British public, sharing a crucial 12-point guide to help navigate the festive postal chaos and ensure Christmas cards and gifts reach their intended destinations.
The Festive Plea from the Front Line
Using the pseudonym Mr Daquriri, the anonymous delivery worker took to the r/royalmail subreddit to post a 'survival guide' for the public. This comes as the Royal Mail system braces for the annual deluge of millions of extra letters and packages. The post serves as a vital intervention to combat the dreaded 'return to sender' fate that befalls so many items during the busy period.
The Essential Dos and Don'ts for Christmas Post
The comprehensive advice covers everything from addressing envelopes to dealing with wrongly delivered mail. Topping the list is the critical instruction to always write addresses properly. The postie specifically warned against using vague addressees like 'Mum' without a house number. He also stressed that if you choose a darker envelope, you must switch to a light-coloured pen for clarity.
In a move that could save countless last-minute gifts, he clearly listed Royal Mail's last recommended posting dates: 2nd Class by 17 December, 1st Class by 20 December, Tracked 24 by 21 December, and Special Delivery by 23 December. He reminded Redditors that missing these deadlines is a gamble not even Father Christmas can fix.
On a more personal note, the postman addressed a common gripe amongst delivery staff: snide comments about timing. He urged customers to skip the 'You're late today' comment, explaining that during Christmas, delivery times can vary wildly by hours due to the immense workload. Instead of a tip, a simple thank you or an offer to use a toilet or have a drink was highlighted as a gesture that goes a long way.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Delivery
The guide also included practical household advice. The postman recommended that homes with tiny letterboxes consider an upgrade, especially if they cannot accommodate a standard 5x7 envelope. For safety, he advised residents to keep paths gritted and clear of ice and to avoid covering letterboxes with giant bows or decorations.
For those who receive mail intended for a neighbour, the advice is simple. Either scribble 'RTS' (Return To Sender) and pop it back in a postbox, or consider delivering it to your neighbour yourself to speed up the process.
The full list of 12 rules was met with appreciation online. One Redditor responded, 'Excellent advice. If only people had simple manners,' while another user joked, 'Protect Royal Mail this Christmas - buy everything on the high street!'
