The holiday season is fast approaching, and families across the country are already planning how to get their gifts to loved ones on time. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued its official 2026 Christmas shipping schedule, giving clear guidance on the latest dates to mail packages for delivery before December 25.

Key Send‑By Dates for the Contiguous United States

For shipments traveling within the 48 contiguous states, the USPS recommends the following cut‑off dates:

• December 17: Ground Advantage and First‑Class Mail
• December 18: Priority Mail
• December 19: Priority Mail Express

Meeting these deadlines maximizes the chance that parcels will arrive before Christmas Day, allowing families to enjoy a stress‑free holiday.

Deadlines for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories

Mail headed to more distant locations requires a slightly earlier schedule:

• December 16: Ground Advantage
• December 17: First‑Class Mail
• December 18: Priority Mail
• December 19: Priority Mail Express

These dates reflect the additional transit time needed for remote destinations, ensuring timely delivery for friends and family living farther away.

Additional Guidance

The USPS also advises shoppers to consult its holiday shipping calendar for other important milestones, such as deadlines for military addresses and special services. Checking the calendar can help avoid unexpected delays and keep holiday plans on track.

Operation Santa Returns for Its 114th Year

In addition to the shipping schedule, the Postal Service is bringing back Operation Santa, a beloved program that lets kind‑hearted individuals adopt letters written by children and families, helping to fulfill their holiday wishes. The program’s timeline is as follows:

• November 16: Letter adoption opens
• December 5: Final day to send letters to Santa

Letters can be addressed to:

Santa Claus
123 Elf Rd.
North Pole, 88888

According to Sheila Holman, USPS Vice President of Marketing, “For more than 100 years, Operation Santa has given kindhearted people the opportunity to make dreams come true for thousands of children and their families through simple acts of kindness.” The program is open to children and families in the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Tips for a Smooth Holiday Mailing Experience

To avoid last‑minute surprises, consider these practical steps:

• Package items securely and label them clearly.
• Choose the service that best matches your delivery window.
• Take advantage of online postage tools to save time.
• Track shipments when possible, especially for high‑value gifts.

By following the USPS’s recommended deadlines and taking advantage of Operation Santa, families can ensure that their holiday greetings and gifts reach their destinations on time, spreading joy throughout the nation.

Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.