Mail and shipping

Thursday, December 17

That is the last day USPS suggests for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail to reach the lower 48 by Christmas. Priority Mail can wait until December 18, and Priority Mail Express until December 19.

Is December 17 a guarantee? No. USPS calls these dates estimates, and weather or a heavy week can slow things down.

Wednesday, December 23

FedEx aims for Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Overnight has to ship by December 23, and 2Day by December 22. FedEx Ground runs from December 17 for a five-day trip to December 23 for a one-day trip. UPS sets its days by service and distance, and its calculator gives you yours.

What is the last day for UPS? It depends on the service and how far the box is going. The UPS time-in-transit calculator, at ups.com/ctc, gives the day for your two zip codes.

By about December 10

December 17 is the last day USPS suggests for First-Class Mail in the lower 48, but a card mailed a week sooner gets there ahead of the rush and has time to be enjoyed. Cards going overseas should leave by December 9.

Is it too late to send cards after Christmas? Not at all. A New Year's card is an old and friendly tradition, and it's a good way to catch up with anyone you missed.

Yes, up to $20. No cash.

A mail carrier may accept a gift worth up to $20 on an occasion like Christmas, and no more than $50 a year from one person. Cash, checks and prepaid cards that spend like cash are not allowed. A small gift card to one store is fine, and cookies are always fine.

Does the rule apply to UPS and FedEx drivers? No. Those are private companies with their own policies.

Postmarked by December 5

Address it to Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888, with a stamp and a return address. Letters that reach Operation Santa by the deadline can be adopted by volunteers, though USPS can't promise every letter a reply.