Here are the deadlines for posting Christmas packages from Czechia this year

As the holiday season draws near, Czech courier services and e-shops have provided dates to inform the public of the last possible dates by which they can send gifts to ensure they arrive before Dec. 24.

Major delivery service Zásilkovna tells consumers that Dec. 19 is the last day to send gifts to guarantee delivery before Christmas, extending to Dec. 20 for depot-delivered shipments. Spokesperson Tereza Kotková recommends opting for depots that will operate on Christmas Day until noon to ensure consumers get their items delivered on time. This comes as part of Zásilkovna's efforts to handle a projected 110 million parcels this season, marking a record-breaking year.

PPL, another large delivery company, sets Dec. 22 as the final delivery date according to its website. Lenka Vitovská, marketing manager at PPL, highlights the ease of pick-up this year with the firm’s mojePPL mobile application and an expanding network of drop-off points. Additionally, thanks to its connection to the network of international delivery firm DHL, it has accelerated transport across Europe and the Czech Republic and increased capacity to up to half a million shipments per day.

Czech Post puts forward a deadline of Dec. 20 for parcels, with spokesperson Matyáš Vitík assuring customers that every effort will be made to deliver even those submitted after the deadline. Vitík emphasizes that undelivered parcels will be stored at the customer's designated post office for collection after Christmas.

To enhance customer experience, e-shops Alza and Mall.cz stress the importance of checking product availability. Alza's spokesperson, Eliška Čeřovská, mentions that a Christmas tree symbol in a customer’s shopping basket indicates guaranteed Christmas delivery.

According to an Alza press release, the company will even arrange the delivery of items on Christmas Day. "To ensure a peaceful and hassle-free Christmas period, customers can order now with confidence with guaranteed Christmas delivery up to and including Dec. 22," the firm says.

Mall.cz spokesperson Jakub Charvát says that most shoppers at Mall.cz prefer collecting their goods at pick-up points, but around one-third continue to have their deliveries shipped to their home address.

While each service has its unique approach, they all share a common message: act early to ensure a stress-free and joyous holiday season. As Kotková puts it: "Choosing strategic depots and planning ahead can make the difference in receiving or missing that special Christmas delivery."