Post Office Announces Key Holiday Mail Dates

The U.S. Postal Service says the holiday mail crush is coming soon, and has announced what you need to know about this year's key dates.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says one big date to remember this holiday season is December 17th. He says that'll be "the busiest mailing day of the year for holiday cards and packages."

Another important date is December 22nd, the last day to send Express Mail to make sure it gets delivered on Christmas Day.

But Donahoe says there are a lot of services available online, too. For example, you can print your own labels and buy postage online. And when your packages are ready, the postal service will come pick them up for free. Check it out at USPS.com.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)