NORTHERN NJ — Would you like to reduce some of the hustle, bustle, and stress of the holiday season? Northern New Jersey Postmasters are sharing time and money saving tips with residents for mailing holiday greetings and shipping packages.

In addition to local Post Offices, stamps are sold at face value under contract with the Postal Service at many larger retailers. Local participating retailers include: CVS, Staples, Shop Rite, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Costco, BJ’s, Stop and Shop, Duane Reade, Acme, Office Depot, and many more.

The Postal Service’s website helps make mailing and shipping easier than ever. Millions of customers will skip the trip to the Post Office this holiday season by taking advantage of the convenient online shipping at USPS.com. With a click of the mouse, Click-N-Ship and other online services allow customers to order free Priority Mail boxes, print shipping labels, purchase postage and even request free next-day Package Pickup from the mail carrier. And usps.com is always open.

For mailing holiday greetings and gifts, Postmasters are recommending the following deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic addresses*:

•Dec. 20 — First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)
•Dec. 20 — First-class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
•Dec. 21 — Priority Mail service
•Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express* service

*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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