How to Get It There by Christmas

/ Bluebird Gardens/
Helps to look at the calendar to get the best estimate of shipping dates. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Helps to look at the calendar to get the best estimate of shipping dates. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

How to Get It There by Christmas

To no one’s surprise, this year’s holiday shipping season is also very different from past years. In addition to a temporary price increase over the holidays, most of the shipping companies are suggesting the earlier you ship, the better.

To make sure your packages arrive before December 25th, here's when US Postal Service recommends you ship by:

  • First Class Package: Ship by December 18th.

  • Priority Mail: Ship by December 19th.

  • Priority Mail Express: Ship by December 23rd.

  • Media Mail & Parcel Select Ground: Ship by December 15th.

Keep in mind these are delivery estimates, not guarantees.

Frankly I have all of my personal packages, and Christmas cards, shipped. With the package traffic up by a good 30% this year, I want to make sure my packages and cards arrive on time.

For customers looking to ship something after December 10, I recommend shipping overnight fully realizing “overnight” does not mean next day, it could take 2-4 days for it to arrive at the destination.

One option is to take a picture of the item you want, put it in an envelope under the tree and order it after the holidays. Not as much fun as having it under the tree but it is an option especially if you want to make sure the colors are correct.

Charlotte