Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. No, he doesn’t deliver for free.
In an age of e-mail and Internet megastores, the holiday season may stand out for traditions that require a stamp, or at least a trip to the post office, a UPS store or a FedEx Office (that shop formerly known as Kinkos).
For the philatelically challenged, it can be difficult to send out greeting cards soon enough, wrap gifts properly for shipping, and make sure presents and goodies arrive at their destinations on time and in one piece.
To avoid a holiday rush and pricey express mail charges, plan ahead and try to get a jumpstart on writing those cards.
Shipping to people serving in the military takes the most preparation. The U.S. Postal Service recommends Dec. 1 (that’s Thursday) for packages going by parcel air lift. Priority mail and first class letters or packages going to APO addresses should be sent by Dec. 3 for some destinations, Dec. 10 for most others.
For letters going overseas, first class and priority deadlines are about Dec. 2 to Dec. 12.
Domestic letters and packages should be mailed by Dec. 15 for parcel post, Dec. 20 for first class, Dec. 21 for priority mail and Dec. 22 for express mail.
The post office carries boxes and other packaging material, but you may have to wait in line twice — once to purchase the product and again to ship.
UPS stores and FedEx offices, or your neighborhood shipping store, may be more helpful, but also more expensive.
Many drugstores carry shipping products including boxes, which allow you to package gifts at home, then decide the most efficient way to get it there.
Remember that most shipping services, including the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx, have robust websites that include click and ship options.
If all else fails and you need to see if Santa has room on his sleigh to deliver your packages, expect to shell out big bucks.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
Shipping treats
• Send items that will travel well, such as oatmeal, sugar or peanut butter cookies, brownies, molasses bars, biscotti, shortbread, dried fruit, or snack mixes and hard candy.
• Avoid items that can’t withstand heat or other extreme temperatures, including chocolate and perishable foods.
• Use a small coffee can or potato chip canister as a cookie cutter, then use that container to ship the cookies. They’ll stack perfectly and likely won’t crumble.
• Seal all perishable items in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before shipping. Consider using UPS Next Day Air or other expedited delivery.
• Make sure recipients will be home to receive treats. If no one is there, a package could sit on a porch or in a warehouse over the holidays.
Source: UPS
Mailing tips
• Print addresses clearly and in all caps, and include apartment number and directional information for streets.
• Include both “to” and “from” information on packages.
• Never guess a ZIP code. No ZIP is better than an incorrect ZIP code.
• Use tape that is designed for shipping. Don’t use wrapping paper, string, masking tape or cellophane tape.
• Stuff glass and fragile, hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.
Source: U.S. Postal Service
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