The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the rush to get last-minute gifts and cards in the mail. If you're planning to visit your local USPS post office on Christmas Eve, it's essential to know their holiday hours to avoid any inconvenience. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to USPS post office hours on Christmas Eve 2018, as well as some valuable tips to help you navigate the busy holiday season.
As Christmas Eve falls on December 24, 2018, many post offices will observe special holiday hours. While these hours may vary depending on your location, we've got you covered with the general guidelines below.
USPS Post Office Hours on Christmas Eve 2018
Most USPS post offices will be open on Christmas Eve, but with reduced hours. Typically, post offices will close earlier than usual, around 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm, to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. However, some post offices may have extended hours, especially those located in major cities or shopping malls.
To confirm the holiday hours of your local post office, we recommend:
- Visiting the USPS website: You can use the USPS website's to search for your local post office and view their holiday hours.
- Calling the USPS Customer Service: Reach out to the USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to inquire about the holiday hours of your local post office.
- Checking social media: Some post offices may post their holiday hours on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.
Tips for Visiting the Post Office on Christmas Eve
To make the most of your visit to the post office on Christmas Eve, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Make a list of the gifts and cards you need to mail, and try to visit the post office earlier in the day to avoid the last-minute rush.
- Check the mail deadlines: Ensure you meet the mailing deadlines for your destination. You can use the USPS website's to determine the best shipping option for your package.
- Use self-service kiosks: Many post offices offer self-service kiosks where you can weigh, print, and ship your packages without waiting in line.
- Take advantage of extended hours: If your local post office has extended hours, consider visiting during these times to avoid the crowds.
- Be patient and courteous: Remember that post office employees are working hard to ensure your packages are delivered on time. Be patient and courteous, and try to avoid last-minute changes to your shipping plans.
USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
To ensure your packages arrive on time for Christmas, here are the USPS holiday shipping deadlines:
- December 14, 2018: USPS Retail Ground
- December 19, 2018: USPS First-Class Mail
- December 20, 2018: USPS Priority Mail
- December 22, 2018: USPS Priority Mail Express
Keep in mind that these deadlines are subject to change, and you should always check the USPS website for the most up-to-date information.
USPS Post Office Closures on Christmas Day
All USPS post offices will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2018. If you need to mail a package on this day, consider using a self-service kiosk or a mail drop location.
Conclusion
Visiting the post office on Christmas Eve can be a stressful experience, but with some planning and preparation, you can make the most of your visit. Remember to check the holiday hours of your local post office, plan ahead, and take advantage of extended hours if available. Don't forget to be patient and courteous to the post office employees, and you'll be on your way to ensuring your packages arrive on time for Christmas.
FAQs
What are the USPS post office hours on Christmas Eve?
+Most USPS post offices will be open on Christmas Eve, but with reduced hours. Typically, post offices will close earlier than usual, around 12:00 pm or 2:00 pm.
How can I confirm the holiday hours of my local post office?
+You can confirm the holiday hours of your local post office by visiting the USPS website, calling the USPS customer service, or checking social media.
What are the USPS holiday shipping deadlines?
+The USPS holiday shipping deadlines are December 14, 2018, for USPS Retail Ground, December 19, 2018, for USPS First-Class Mail, December 20, 2018, for USPS Priority Mail, and December 22, 2018, for USPS Priority Mail Express.