You may feel like you have a lot of time left until Christmas, but if you’re planning to ship something to family or friends, you are in a bit more of a crunch.
The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages, so these are the dates you have to hit to ensure your letters or packages get to their destination in time.
The following dates are recommended send-by dates from the U.S. Postal Service for delivery that’s expected before Dec. 25.
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18
- First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
- Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
- USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
- First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18
- Priority Mail service: Dec. 19
- Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20
So, what if you want to send packages internationally or to military addresses? They have their own set of holiday mailing and shipping dates, which you can find via usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
Of course, the earlier the better when it comes to holiday shipping, so if you have your items early, you’ll want to send them on their merry way as soon as possible.
The USPS also has some helpful tips on preparing shipments, packaging rules, how to get free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours at usps.com.
USPS Operation Santa is Back
The U.S. Postal Service has also debuted an online e-commerce catalog for their Operation Santa campaign.
“Santa’s Gift Shoppe, an online option developed exclusively for USPS Operation Santa letter adopters, powered by Toys”R”Us, just in time for the start of the program’s first day of letter adoption,” the USPS said in a statement. “The new site offers a streamlined experience, making it easier for participants to shop for the ideal gift and ship it from the comfort of their homes with just a click.”
“USPS Operation Santa has connected communities through holiday goodwill for over a century,” USPS Marketing Vice President Sheila Holman said in a rellease. “This year, through our collaboration with Toys”R”Us, we’re thrilled to bring an easier way for generous people to make a difference. With the launch of this new e-commerce platform, we’re making it simpler than ever to help fulfill wishes and spread holiday joy.”
According to the USPS, “The introduction of Santa’s Gift Shoppe marks the first of what the Postal Service hopes to be several collaborations in expanding its online catalog to include clothing, shoes, books and more.”
“Our joint effort with Toys“R”Us is just the beginning. We’re looking to broaden our selection of gifts in the future to help expand the impact of USPS Operation Santa and create even more opportunities for Americans to spread holiday cheer,” said Holman.
For information on how to participate in the Operation Santa program, which has actually been going strong for more than 100 years, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.