With most of the British population still scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping, the high street is set to experience its busiest day of the year today (Wednesday).
While most shoppers are cramming supermarket aisles for Christmas provisions, many are also still buying online in the hope of getting a last-minute gift to a loved-one in time for the big day.
Although 1st Class Christmas delivery deadlines have now passed, if you're sending a present you've already purchased within Britain, an item sent Wednesday by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, will arrive by Christmas Eve.
Christmas delivery deadlines for Royal Mail
If you're going direct to the retailer, options are now limited, with delivery deadlines at the likes of Tesco Direct and Asda now passed.
But retailers including Topshop, Asos, Argos and Amazon will still deliver as late as Wednesday within the UK (and even same day on Thursday in some cases), although through a special express service.
Pack & Send has created this infographic detailing delivery options at most of the UK's major retailers, including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
An infographic provided by Pack & Send showing Christmas delivery deadlines at many of the UK's major retailers
To avoid disappointment always double-check your delivery times direct with your retailer, and be aware there are always cases of the Christmas delivery nightmares, so buy early to avoid disappointment.
IN STORE
The Press Association reports that a third of consumers (31%) plan to do their main Christmas food shop today, according to a poll of 2,200 people for BBC Good Food.
Waitrose predicts the hour from 11am will be its busiest period, with sales expected to be 3.5 times higher than on a typical Wednesday, while the busiest branch is expected to be Oakgrove in Milton Keynes.
Sainsbury's expects its checkouts to hit their peak between 11am and 1pm and Tesco has taken on extra staff to prepare for what it predicts will be its busiest in-store shopping day.
Visa Europe predicts that high street spending on its cards will reach £1.3 billion, peaking between 1pm and 2pm when 3.2 million transactions will take place, making it the biggest shopping day of the year.
Shoppers are expected to make more than 37 million transactions, up 10% on last year, while the overall amount spent is predicted to be 3% higher.
Kevin Jenkins, Visa Europe managing director for UK and Ireland, said: ''On December 23, Brits will race to the high-street to pick up last-minute presents, despite starting their Christmas shopping early this year with record amounts spent online on Black Friday.
''In keeping with previous years, the busiest day for Christmas shopping this year will be two days before Christmas where we are likely to see £1.3 billion spent on the high street.''
''More than £1 million will be spent on Visa cards every minute, rising to nearer £2 million every minute during the lunch time rush between 1pm and 2pm.
''Shoppers will demand quick and easy purchases during this busy period, and retailers with a contactless offering are likely to be the winners as they could see shorter queuing times and happier customers.''