USPS posted deadlines for packages being sent from any part of the United States

The United States Postal Service announced holiday shipping deadlines to be observed in order to ensure Christmas packages reach their destination on time.

If the package must be delivered by December 25, , the USPS recommends that you ship holiday cards and Christmas gifts by Dec. 15.

To ensure Christmas delivery on time, first-class mail must be sent by December 17, priority mail by December 18, and priority mail express by Dec. 23.

These dates may vary for residents of Hawaii and Alaska. The USPS also lists recommended shipping dates for anyone sending packages overseas or to military personnel.

Santa Claus must receive wish lists from children by December 10, regardless of where they are sent in the United States.

The postal service states that the sooner you send, the better.

According to the USPS, the busiest period of the holiday shipping season starts two weeks before Christmas. The busiest week for the postal season is the week from Dec. 13-18.

The USPS stated that shipping before a deadline does NOT guarantee that packages will arrive in time.