Here are the deadlines for sending holiday gifts so they arrive on time: NPR

On By Littum

In this July 27, 2020, file photo, the tails of three UPS planes are shown parked at Miami International Airport in Miami.

In this July 27, 2020, file photo, the tails of three UPS planes are shown parked at Miami International Airport in Miami.

Wilfredo Lee/AP


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Wilfredo Lee/AP

Christmas is less than two weeks away, which means time is running out for you to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and ensure they receive them in time to open on Christmas morning.

Postal companies say they are prepared for one of the busiest shipping times of the year. In particular, FedEx says the company is committed to making it “easy, fast and affordable for our customers.”

Brother John Neuffer of St Francis Ministries, with members of the Thoroughbreds Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and other volunteers serving a Thanksgiving meal.

“Consumers will inevitably feel the holiday rush due to five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, and we are prepared to give our customers more peace of mind with increased visibility and accuracy in estimated delivery times,” said FedEx Executive Vice President and Chief Det Customer Officer Brie Carere.

Here are the deadlines you need to know to get gifts and greeting cards to your loved ones before Christmas Day.

Don’t delay

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that the earlier you send your items—greeting cards, packages, and other gifts—the better.

If you plan to use USPS and want your items to arrive within the US before Christmas, they must be mailed by December 21st. If you are shipping to Alaska or Hawaii, the deadline is December 20th. For international shipments, the deadline has passed for countries in Africa and Central/South America, but gifts to countries in Asia and Europe must be sent by 16 December at the latest.

The USPS also warns that postal service to Canada is currently suspended due to an ongoing strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

While Christmas is on December 25th, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Christmas Day and is celebrated until January 2nd. Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas until January 1st.

If you use United Parcel Service (UPS) and want your items delivered before Christmas Eve, you can use UPS Next Day Air. However, you must ship within the US and to Canada by December 23, according to the shipping chart. The carrier recommends that you calculate the price and time of delivery for your specific destination at ups.com/ctc.

A young black man sits on the ground in an airport next to his yellow rolling suitcase, waiting to check in for his flight. He wears a red puffer coat and a toboggan and puts his head in his hands in frustration at travel delays.

FedEx says you have at least until December 23rd to ship your package within the US to arrive before Christmas Eve, but it depends on which service you use. It’s also the last day to ship to Mexico, Canada or Puerto Rico if you want your package there before Christmas Eve.

Check the store’s opening and closing times

Store hours may vary depending on which shipping company you use, so check their hours in advance and prepare for long lines, as many people will ship at the last minute.

USPS is closed Christmas Day and will not deliver mail or packages. UPS will also be closed Christmas Day, with no pickup or delivery. FedEx says its customized critical services, which handle government shipments, dangerous goods, valuable goods and healthcare products, will be available on Christmas Day, while all other locations and operations will be closed.