The holiday season is the busiest time for shipping carriers. With proper planning and active tracking, you can ensure your gifts arrive on time and avoid holiday shipping stress.
2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
For delivery by December 25th, ship by these dates:
USPS Deadlines
- USPS Ground Advantage: December 18
- Priority Mail: December 21
- Priority Mail Express: December 23
UPS Deadlines
- UPS Ground: December 16
- UPS 3 Day Select: December 19
- UPS 2nd Day Air: December 21
- UPS Next Day Air: December 23
FedEx Deadlines
- FedEx Ground: December 16
- FedEx Home Delivery: December 16
- FedEx Express Saver: December 20
- FedEx Overnight: December 23
Ship Early!
These are the carrier's suggested deadlines, but delays are common during the holidays. Ship at least 3-5 days earlier than the deadline for peace of mind.
Holiday Tracking Tips
Set Up Notifications
During the holidays, tracking updates are essential:
- Enable email and text alerts for all shipments
- Use carrier apps for real-time notifications
- Track packages daily as delivery date approaches
Expect Delays
Holiday shipping volume can cause:
- Slower scanning at facilities
- Longer transit times
- Tracking updates that seem "stuck"
- Delayed "Out for Delivery" scans
Use Our Tracking Tool
Track all your holiday packages from every carrier in one place. Enter multiple tracking numbers to monitor everything at once.
Preventing Holiday Package Theft
Package theft increases during the holidays. Protect your deliveries:
- Track actively: Know when packages will arrive
- Require signatures: For valuable gifts
- Use secure delivery: Amazon Locker, UPS Access Point, FedEx Office
- Ship to work: If you won't be home
- Install cameras: Doorbell cameras deter thieves
Shipping Gifts to Multiple Addresses
Managing gifts to family across the country? Here's how to stay organized:
- Create a spreadsheet with recipient, gift, carrier, and tracking number
- Share tracking links with recipients if the gift isn't a surprise
- Stagger shipments to avoid overwhelming yourself
- Use gift wrapping services when available
What If a Gift Doesn't Arrive in Time?
If despite your best efforts, a package won't arrive by Christmas:
- Print a picture of the gift with a "Coming Soon" note
- Give a small gift card as a placeholder
- Contact the seller about expedited replacement shipping
- Remember: the thought counts more than the timing!
Track All Your Holiday Packages
Keep tabs on every gift with our free multi-carrier tracking tool.
Start Tracking →
