Top tips to ensure cards and packages arrive on time

You're on notice.

Follow our guide to get your cards, gifts and standard mail where they need to be — whether it's with plenty of time to spare or just in the St. Nick of time.

"We have already begun shipping Christmas gifts for customers," said Dane Halovich, owner of a UPS store on Rancho Drive. "Besides the large number of packages moving as we get closer to Christmas, the weather also becomes more of a factor the later we get into the end of the year. We always experience some weather delays in December, especially in the snow regions."

If you really don't want to brave the elements (heavy traffic and crazed shoppers) to deliver your holiday cheer, David G. Rupert, U.S. Postal Service spokesman for Nevada, suggests ordering free delivery boxes at www.usps.com and have them sent to your home or business. You can also use Click-N-Ship online to pay and print postage.

"And then we can come to you and pick them up — for free," Rupert said. "It's entirely possible to stay at home for the entire month — and still have all your gifts and cards to loved ones delivered on time."

Military shipments

Due date: USPS Priority Mail, Dec. 10; Priority Mail Express, Dec. 17

Consider military shipments first. They take the longest to arrive, and troops appreciate a little holiday cheer in December.

"Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents," Rupert said. And "leave space for cushioning inside."

If sending cards to troops include a handwritten note with some personality. Just telling them you're thinking about them can go a long way.

Christmas cards

Target date: Dec. 11; ultimate deadline, Dec. 19

Two weeks before the big day is considered the appropriate time to send Christmas cards. Shoot for Dec. 11, but don't beat yourself up if you miss it. The Postal Service says first-class letters will arrive on time if shipped by Dec. 19.

When sending holiday cards, be thoughtful of which holiday the recipient celebrates. If you're unsure, simply go generic with a holiday or season's greeting.

Always include a brief handwritten note on each card and make sure you remember to include your return address.

"I normally recommend mailing co-workers' cards to their homes so that people don't feel left out if they don't receive one from you," said Sheila Keast, a certified etiquette trainer in Las Vegas.

"If you receive a card from someone you didn't send one to — if it is before the holiday is over — then quickly get one in the mail," she said. "When this happens to me I normally send a New Year's card."

At the end of the year, update your list with cards that were returned or add new recipients.

Penny-pincher packages

Due date: UPS ground, Dec. 14; FedEx ground, Dec. 14-17; Postal Service ground varies

"When shipping with UPS, (it) guarantees the delivery date that you pay for," Halovich said. "However, as we get a couple of weeks out from Christmas, that guarantee for ground service is suspended."

From Las Vegas, the typical UPS ground shipping time to the East Coast is one week, but to California, it's just a couple of days.

"When we get close to Christmas, it's always good to allow a few extra days for the shipping in case there are any weather delays," Halovich said.

Postal Service ground shipping varies according to the ZIP code the package is reaching. Dates can be found at usps.com.

"But our recommendation is to mail early — and mail often," Rupert said.

Prevailing packages

Due date: Postal Service priority mail, Dec. 21; UPS 3-Day Select, Dec. 18; FedEx Express Saver or 2-Day, Dec. 21-22

Standard shipping time allows you to send your packages about a week before Christmas but gives some flexibility depending on price and service provider.

Procrastinator packages

Due date: Postal Service Express Mail, Dec. 23; UPS 2nd Day or Next Day Air, Dec. 22-23; FedEx Next Day: Dec. 23

If you've been under a rock all year or completely forgot someone important, you can mail really last-minute packages on Christmas Day through FedEx's SameDay service that allows you to ship 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

But don't wait. The longer you wait, the more money you'll spend on shipping, the more stress you'll add to your holidays and the worse the traffic and crowds will be.

"When coming into the UPS Stores during the holidays, they will be very busy, especially at lunchtime," Halovich said. "Plan your visit accordingly so you are not in a rush."

Expert advice

The packaging experts at the three major shipping services offered their best advice for surviving the holiday rush — both for you and your precious cargo.

"When you order something online, consider sending the package to your workplace or to a family member, friend or neighbor who is home during the day to accept delivery," said Davina Cole, senior communications specialist for FedEx. "You can have your deliveries sent to the nearest FedEx Office location and we'll hold it for you for up to five business days."

Be sure if you wrap your gifts to place the wrapped package inside a larger box that is not wrapped.

FedEx and UPS offer pack-and-ship services to make sure your valuables arrive safely. The Postal Service does not pack for you, but has the packing materials onsite.

"This is our season to shine, and we are ready," Rupert said. "We've been prepping for this time of year for the entire year."