Exact dates for shipping your cards and packages to be delivered in time for the holidays

IF you want to send a gift to your family or friends, you should keep a few dates in mind so that it arrives on time.

As always, Christmas lands on December 25th.

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This year it will land on a Saturday, just a few weeks away.

Also note that Kwanzaa, which commemorates African American culture, takes place between Monday December 26th and Sunday January 1st.

In particular, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued guidelines on when to mail your cards and packages so they arrive on or before Christmas.

When to send your gifts

Dates vary depending on the type of mail you send and where you live.

For example, those living in Alaska and Hawaii should send their mail on the following dates for it to arrive by December 25th.

First class mail service

• Alaska: December 17th
• Hawaii: December 17th

priority mail service

• Alaska: December 17th
• Hawaii: December 17th

Priority Mail Express service

• Alaska: 21st December
• Hawaii: 21st December

USPS Retail Ground® Service

• Alaska: 2. December
• Hawaii: N / A

Here are the dates below if you live anywhere else in the country.

• First Class Mail: December 17th
• Priority Mail Service: December 19
• Priority Mail Express Service: December 23rd
• USPS Retail Ground Service: December 17

Keep in mind that these are estimated dates – meaning they are not guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas.

The Post recommends sending your holiday mail as soon as possible to avoid delays.

For military mail and international shipping, the Bundespost has more guidance also for probable dates.

Holiday post on government benefits and direct payments

You should also consider some changes if you expect to receive government benefits this holiday season.

One affected group are claimants for supplemental security income.

Receive two payments next month worth up to $1,755.

This is because the January 1, 2023 payment falls on a Sunday and is a public holiday.

In all cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) mails the checks the next business day.

In this case, that day is Friday, December 30th.

Therefore, SSI recipients should not expect to receive a payment in January.

For other government benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or meal stamps, there is no specific rule that relates to money spent on the holidays.

So you should check with your state.

You can do this by using Call the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card hotline in your state to see if the holidays will affect when you receive your benefits.

Meanwhile, those who are due a tax refund or stimulus check shouldn’t expect to get theirs by Christmas.

States send direct payments

California taxpayers now receive the Middle Class Tax Refund.

Payments range from $200 to $1,050 and are sent over the New Year.

The current batch goes by debit card to Californians, both of whom have received Golden Stimulus payments.

In South Carolina, eligible residents receive up to $800 in rebates.

And Virginia residents are receiving up to $500 worth of direct payments.

For more information, see: 11 States Offering Tax Breaks This Year.

Also, check out the dozens of states that offer guaranteed income.