Dear Just Be: Most of my family lives out of state, how much time do I have to ship their gifts?

Luckily you are thinking ahead and still do have some time to shop for and send your holiday gifts to special ones who live outside of Colorado.

According to the United States Postal Service, if you have your gifts to your post office by the following "Mail-by Dates," your gifts will arrive before December 25:

Dec. 4 Military mail destined for Iraq or Afghanistan*
Dec. 16 Parcel Post
Dec. 21 First-Class Mail
Dec. 21 Priority Mail, the best bargain in shipping
Dec. 23 Express Mail

*Visit the United States Postal Service for "mail-by dates" for other international destinations.
Here are a some helpful hints to ensure your packages arrive promptly and safely:
1. Print addresses clearly and in ALL CAPS.

• Include all address elements—apartment numbers, suite numbers, directional information for streets (N, E, S, W and St., Ave., Ln.
• Spell out the entire city name and abbreviate the state.

2. Include both “to” and “from” information on packages – and only on one side.

3. Mark packages, “Fragile,” in large print on the outside of the box when shipping materials that might be likely to break.
4. Never guess a ZIP Code. NO ZIP is better than a WRONG ZIP.
5. Always use tape that is designed for shipping.
6. Place an extra label or notice with the delivery and return address inside the package. This ensures the safe return of an item that could not be delivered should the outside label became damaged or fall off.
7. Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. It is recommended that customers include the new batteries in the manufacturer’s packaging.
8. Customers preparing international packages can complete customs forms, pay postage, print a shipping label and receive a discount, too, online at usps.com/clicknship.

So while you are standing in line at the post office, or driving around shopping for the perfect gift, breathe deeply and relax knowing you are ahead of the game with getting your presents shipped off in time for the holidays. Enjoy this time of year instead of being stressed by the holidays, listen to the carols being played, such as Frosty the Snowman (written Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson and recorded by Gene Autry), be kind to the person next to you and pass along the holiday spirit!