Post early to avoid disappointment

Isle of Man Post Office is advising its customers to post early to make sure their cards and gifts reach loved ones all over the world before Christmas.

It's pointing out that last year snow and ice caused severe disruption to postal services throughout the British Isles in the run-up to December 25.

The Post Office says nobody knows if the same thing will happen again, but it's the busiest time of the year and not worth taking the risk.

Airmail bound for South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand should be sent no later than Monday, December 5.

The last date for items posted to the United States and Canada is December 9 and European airmail should be sent by the 12th.

'Last dates' for destinations within the British Isles are during the week commencing Monday, December 19.