Deadline for holiday shipping is today

(CNN)– Now’s the time to get your holiday cards and gifts ready to send with plans they’ll get to their recipient by Christmas Day.

That’s because Wednesday, Dec. 17, is the U.S. Postal Service deadline for ground advantage and first class mail.

Meanwhile, USPS says Thursday, Dec. 18, is the last day for priority mail service with Saturday the final day for priority mail express.

That does not include addresses in Hawaii or Alaska.

As for other options, Fedex recommends shipping by Dec. 23, for delivery by Christmas Eve.