USPS just announced the last day you can send holiday gifts this year

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is making sure everyone is prepared for gift-giving this holiday season

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It's (almost) the most wonderful time of the year – and the United States Postal Service (USPS) is making sure everyone is prepared for gift-giving this holiday season.

USPS announced its recommended shipping and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages in a press release on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

In it, the company recommended shipping dates for expected delivery before Christmas Day on December 25th in the contiguous United States and stated that shipments using USPS Ground Advantage service and First Class Mail service will be sent by December 18th must.

Meanwhile, according to the USPS, Priority Mail service should be completed by December 19th, and Priority Mail Express service must be completed by December 21st.

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For those shipping packages from Alaska and Hawaii, USPS said USPS Ground Advantage service mail must be received by Dec. 16, while First Class Mail service mail must be sent by Dec. 18.

Meanwhile, Priority Mail service should be completed by Dec. 19, and Priority Mail Express service must be completed by Dec. 20, USPS added.

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For international mail, USPS recommends sending it a little earlier, in early to mid-December.

Shipments going to Africa, for example, should be sent at the beginning of the month, while packages going to nearby Canada may be held until the middle of the last month of the year.

Related: Arnold Schwarzenegger on the sweet reason he gives out Christmas presents at a local center every year

“USPS urges customers to plan ahead and ship early this holiday season. The sooner you ship, the better. Don’t delay – ship today!” USPS said in a statement.

Anyone who would like to receive tips on preparing shipments, including packing guidelines and information about local post office opening hours, can do so here.

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