Holiday mailing deadlines looming

If you are hoping to send a package through Canada Postthat will arrive byChristmas morning,it will now cost you more.

The deadline for general shipping within Canada guaranteedto arrive before Christmas has passed. However, for a fee, Xpresspost packages mailed before December 22 and Priority packages mailed before December 23 are guaranteedto arrive within Canada in time for Christmas.

Letters

If you are planning to send a holiday card in time for Christmas locally, the deadline is December 19. Provincial deadline is December 18 and the nationaldeadline is December 17.

Letters to Santa Claus

According to Canada Post,"Santa's postal elves are ready to help Santa answer letters in more than 30 languages, including Braille! There are 3 golden rules when sending a letter to Santa":

• Make sure to include your full return address.
• While wish lists are good (especially for the workshop elves), Santa really loves to read about your child's favourite sports, jokes, school activities or family fun (even if Mom and Dad help with the writing). And, of course, he loves to get pictures and drawings from even his youngest pen pals!
• Send your letter soon. Letters must be mailed by December 16 to receive a reply (it's a long way to the North Pole and back!).