The holidays bring many things—gifts, family gatherings, decorating and festivities. 

For 2022, they also bring a few updates from the Postal Service for shipping deadlines and temporary pricing changes, as well as new package regulations.

The Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic addresses and Air/Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO) addresses*:

2022 holiday shipping deadlines

Nov. 5- APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) USPS Retail Ground service

Dec. 9- APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) Priority Mail and First-Class Mail

Dec. 16- APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express Military service

Dec. 17- USPS Retail Ground service

Dec. 17- First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)

Dec. 17- First-Class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)

Dec. 19- Priority Mail service

Dec. 23- Priority Mail Express* service

*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time, and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two business days.

More tips for a successful holiday mailing and shipping season:

Use free Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes. They are available at local Post Office locations or online at usps.com/freeboxes.

Make it easy with Click-N-Ship. You can create shipping labels and pay for postage online at usps.com/ship.

Schedule a free Package Pickup when the carrier delivers your mail. It’s free regardless of the number of packages. Pickups can be scheduled at usps.com/pickup.*

Mail and packages that weigh more than 10 ounces and/or are more than a half-inch thick using stamps as postage cannot be dropped into a collection box or left for a carrier to pick up. Instead, take them to a window clerk at a Post Office location.

Packages containing used electronics or other hazardous materials — lithium-ion batteries, in particular — must now be shipped via surface transportation.