Simsbury Gift Givers: Mailing Deadlines to Get Presents, Cards There by Christmas Day

If you’re going to be waiting in line at the post office to get your packages weighed, or if you’ve got a pile of Christmas Cards to get through, you might be wondering if it will all get there in time.

Well, you still have time for deliveries in the United States (if it’s abroad, and you don’t mind paying Priority Mail Express rates, you have until today, Wednesday, Dec. 10; otherwise, it’s Global Express Guaranteed by Dec. 17), according to the U.S. Postal Service.

Keep in mind that Dec. 15 is expected to be the busiest day for mailing cards, letters and packages. On Christmas Eve, expect those blue mail collection containers (see the picture with this article) to be emptied before noon, and then not again until after Christmas; expect most post offices to be closed.

Here’s a list of domestic and international deadlines:

• Dec. 10 (today) – Priority Mail Express International
• Dec. 15 – Standard Post
• Dec. 17 – Global Express Guaranteed
• Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail/Priority Mail (domestic)
• Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express (domestic)

Addressing and labeling advice:

Addressing & Labeling Advice

The U.S. Postal service has this list of reminders (some of it very obvious, but you may be rushing):

• Print complete and correct addresses clearly in capital letters with a pen or permanent marker.
• Do not use commas or periods.
• Include the ZIP Code+4 whenever possible. (Look up any ZIP Code here.)
• Mark the package “Fragile” or “Perishable” when appropriate.
• If you’re reusing a box, make sure all other addresses are covered or blacked out.