If you’re preparing to mail packages for the upcoming holiday season, there are some dates you should check off on your calendar.

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver all the way to up to Christmas Eve but not on Christmas Day.

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

  • Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

  • Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.

  • Dec. 21 – Priority Mail Domestic service in 1, 2 or 3 business days based on where the package is mailed and where it’s being sent, variety of flat-rate options.

  • Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25.

Complete details on Mailing and Shipping services can be found on usps.com

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.