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Coco Warner reportingAre you ready for the official countdown until Christmas? There are four and a half weeks left. And that means this week you need to get packages ready to send, especially if you're shipping overseas.
Many of us are natural procrastinators. But sending off your packages and cards this holiday season is something you don't want to put off.
You want to make sure your loved ones receive their gifts in time for the big day, especially if they are overseas. There are simple things you can do to help them get there.
It's a pretty calm morning at the Pioneer Postal Store in the ZCMI Center. But just wait, the closer we get to Christmas, the busier this place becomes. But some of you should be sending off your packages yesterday.
Russell Franklin/Pioneer Postal Store :"Internationally, or for soldiers who are serving in Iraq or overseas, you should be thinking about getting your packages off right away."
Make sure your address label is clear and easy to read-- also include a return address. Cushion contents with bubble wrap. Seal your packages with strong tape. And think about doing it all from home.
Russell Franklin/Pioneer Postal Store: "All you need is a home computer, a postal scale, and a credit card."
The Click and Ship Service lets you print out a mailing label from your home computer and your carrier will pick up the packages the next day.
Russell Franklin/Pioneer Postal Store: "With express mail, we even provice delivery on Christmas Day."
The U.S. Postal Service is offering a new online service this year called Net Post Service, where you can send your family and friends Christmas cards from your computer.
Russell Franklin/Pioneer Postal Store: "It allows people to go in and create your own postcard, download your family photos or choose one of the designs we have. You can mail them to your family."
All of this information is included in a mailer that everyone should soon receive-- a Holiday Shipping and Mailing Guide.
To review:
Mail early-- especially if you're going international.
Label clearly-- and include a return address.
Cushion with bubble wrap.
Seal with strong tape
And to help expedite the process-- consider using online services or automated postal centers.
And now that we know how to mail our letters, tomorrow, we're going to work on how to write them-- that's right-- we're taking on the annual holiday letter.
