The U.S. Postal Service has released its 2021 Holiday Shipping Dates to ensure that holiday packages and cards get to their recipients on time.
For delivery before Dec. 25 in the contiguous U.S., send mail on or before:
• Dec. 15 for USPS Retail Ground Services
• Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail
• Dec. 18 for Priority Mail
• Dec. 23 for Priority Mail Express
If sending a package to Alaska or Hawaii, for delivery before Dec. 25, send packages by:
• Dec. 2 for USPS Retail Ground Services (not applicable to Hawaii)
• Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail
• Dec. 17 for Priority Mail
• Dec. 21 for Priority Mail Express
Dates to send international and military mail vary. For details and deadlines, visit www.usps.com/plan.
The Postal Service is also hosting its annual “Operation Santa” program. Those who would like to “adopt” a letter to Santa and fulfill a child’s wish list may register at www.USPSOperationSanta.com.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of letters written to Santa are sent through USPS. Postal employees act as “Santa’s Elves” opening and uploading them to the website. Letter adopters are responsible for the costs associated with buying and mailing gifts.
