Christmas

Is the Post Office Open on Christmas Day 2017?

December 20, 2017 By James Hendrickson 1 Comment

Christmas is the Post Office’s busiest season. Most people are mailing Christmas cards and packages to their friends and family. The growing popularity of online Christmas shopping has also increased the demand for postal workers’ ability to deliver during the holiday season. In the rush to pick up and send their last-minute packages, many people need to know when the Post Office will be open. Are Post Offices open on Christmas Day?

Is the Post Office Open on Christmas Day?

Post offices are closed on Christmas Day. The Post Office closes in observance of 10 federal holidays each year. Christmas Day is the final federal holiday that the post office closes in observance of in 2017. Because Christmas falls on a Monday this year the post office and other federally-run offices will be closed on Monday, December 25. All post office locations will also be closed on Christmas Eve (Sunday, December 24).

When Will Mail Be Delivered Christmas Week?

Mail delivery can be confusing when a holiday falls during the week. Here is the mail schedule for the week of Christmas:

Sunday, December 17 – Some post offices may be open. Check with your local post office.
Monday, December 18 – Open. Regular business hours and mail service.
Tuesday, December 19 – Open. Regular business hours and mail service.
Wednesday, December 20 – Open. Regular business hours and mail service.
Thursday, December 21 – Open. Regular business hours and mail service.
Friday, December 22 – Open. Regular business hours and mail service.
Saturday, December 23 – Some locations may be open.
Sunday, December 24 – Closed.
Monday, December 25 – Closed.

Is FedEx Open for Christmas?

FedEx is closed on December 25th. FedEx is open modified hours on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. The company will resume regular Saturday service on Tuesday, December 26.

Is UPS Open for Christmas?

UPS is closed on Christmas Day. UPS is open on Christmas Eve with normal delivery of ground, air, and international shipments.

What Postal Services Are Available for Christmas?

If you need postal services on Christmas Day and cannot wait until Tuesday, there are limited services available at your local post office. Customers who rent mailboxes at postal locations will be able to access their post office box as they would on a Sunday. No new mail will be delivered to the mailbox on Christmas Day or the day after Christmas.

Most post offices have automated postage machines in their lobbies where customers can calculate and purchase postage. The lobbies will be open on Christmas Day to purchase postage from the automated postage machines and drop the outgoing mail. Outgoing mail will not be picked up from mailboxes on Christmas Day.

There will be no mail delivery to residences or businesses on Christmas Day, except for Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express items are delivered by the post office 365 days a year (even on Christmas Day). Not all service areas are eligible for Priority Mail Express delivery on Sundays and holidays, but delivery is available in most major markets.

It’s a good idea to get your packages out early to make sure they arrive on time, but if you need to ship something with delivery on December 25, check with your post office to make sure that holiday delivery is available at the destination. If you are ordering online from Target or Walmart, you might want to try their in-store pickup instead of having your purchase shipped.

Is Free Shipping Day Worth It?

December 12, 2017 By James Hendrickson 4 Comments

Friday is free shipping day, a day where most online shoppers are getting their last-minute shopping items. “Free Shipping Day” is a day where online shoppers can take advantage of free shipping and other perks. While many online shoppers have come to expect free shipping during the holiday season, today is a little bit different.

Over 1,000 retailers are participating in Friday’s “free shipping” event. Retailers, like Wal-Mart, are waiving their cost minimums for free shipping. Normally, you have to spend at least $50 to qualify for free shipping. However, “free shipping day” provides free shipping no matter how much you spend. Each of the retailers is guaranteeing delivery by Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), but “free shipping day” may just be another trap. After all, can’t you get free shipping throughout the year?

Free Shipping Day: A Whole Season

“Free shipping day” won’t be the first, or last, time that you’ll ever be able to receive free shipping on an item. The following companies are offering free shipping in different capacities throughout the holidays:

Apple – no minimum purchase necessary to receive free shipping throughout the year.
COACH – no minimum purchase required. Receive free shipping year-round.
MAC Cosmetics – Get free shipping all year with no minimum purchase requirement.
Target – no minimum purchase to receive free shipping. Also, $10 off purchases of $50 (and up) and $25 off $100 (and up).
HP – no minimum purchase necessary for free shipping. Get up to 50% off most items.
Under Armour – you won’t need to make a minimum purchase to get free shipping and you can also get 25% off most items at Under Armour.
Overstock – Overstock is a popular site for Christmas shopping and through the season you won’t have to pay for shipping (not just on Free Shipping Day).

Amazon Prime members are offered free shipping all year round as well. Prime members last day for two-day shipping (to be delivered on Christmas Eve) is Dec. 22. Keep in mind, Prime member’s shipping isn’t exactly “free,” members must pay $99 per year for the Prime membership.

Look out for “Free Shipping Day” Deals

Some stores who are participating in “free shipping day” may also be offering some additional perks. Of course, free shipping is already saving you about $10, but some retailers are offering an additional percentage off site-wide. You may even see 30 and 50 percent off site-wide, copying Cyber Monday deals.

Because “free shipping” has become commonplace, many retailers have had to step up and try something new to attract people to their “free shipping day” deals. Many of them are dropping their minimum purchase requirement, and some are not placing a minimum purchase requirement at all. Retailers who are participating in the “free shipping day” event may also be offering some deals on the hotter items of the season like technology, gadgets and the more popular toys of the year.

All in all, Free Shipping Day doesn’t offer any fantastic deals. For the most part, you can get free shipping year-round. However, if you decide to capitalize on any Free Shipping Day deals, be prepared to deal with slower site speeds. Also, remember to have a list of items you are looking for and to not go over your holiday spending budget. Happy shopping!

The Every Kid in the Park Initiative Will Give Fourth Graders a Free Christmas Tree

December 4, 2017 By James Hendrickson 1 Comment

If your family is in need of a Christmas tree and you have a fourth grader you can get a free Christmas Tree from the National Park Service this year.

From now until Christmas Eve you can get a free Christmas tree from a U.S. national park. As a part of the Every Kid in the Park Initiative, the National Park Service will be giving fourth graders a chance to get a free Christmas tree from a national park this Christmas season.

The Every Kid in a Park Initiative

The Every Kid in a Park Initiative is the National Park Service’s attempt at getting more children into the national parks and interested in getting outside and experiencing nature. The program targets a rather impressionable group of kids: fourth graders. Each year fourth graders throughout the United States are able to sign up for the program, which gives the child and their family free access to all U.S. national parks. Each child and their family get free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for the entire year.

Additionally, fourth-grade teachers can also get a voucher for the year so that they can experience the national parks along with their students. They can take field trips or simply talk to their students about what you can do at the national park.

How to Get a Free Christmas Tree

Giving away a free year of access to national parks isn’t the only thing the Every Kid in a Park Initiative does. Each year the program also gives fourth graders a chance to get a free Christmas tree.

Fourth graders and their families can get a free Christmas tree from one of the 17 national forests in the U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region. The program lasts through December 24 and gives each fourth grader a free voucher for a permit. The permit, which gives them permission to harvest a Christmas tree from the national park, is given to them and they are given instructions are which trees they are allowed to harvest and where they can get them from. You can print a voucher from the Every Kid in a Park website.

If you don’t have a fourth grader but would still like to get a Christmas tree from a national park you can purchase one of these permits and cut a tree from the park yourself. However, there are still plenty of other ways to get a free Christmas tree this year as well.

Other Ways to Get a Free Christmas Tree

Having a fourth grader isn’t the only way you can get a free Christmas tree this holiday season. There are multiple local programs that will assist you in decorating for the holiday if you are in need. The Christmas Tree Project helps families in need throughout the United States get a Christmas tree and other decorations for the holiday. Military families can also receive free Christmas trees through the Christmas Spirit Foundation.

If you have heard of any other ways to get a free Christmas tree, please leave us a comment.

Photo: JOHNNY LAI

free christmas tree

Is Costco Open on Christmas Day 2016?

December 22, 2016 By Alexa Mason 3 Comments

The holiday season is a crazy time of year, and many people don’t have time to get to the store before Christmas Eve, or even Christmas Day. However, many stores have altered hours at this time of year, so it is important to know when stores open and close. One of the larger retailers, Costco, is one people often wonder about.

Most stores used to close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but now that more retailers on open on the Thanksgiving holiday, some people are confused about whether they stay closed on Christmas. Oftentimes, stores have extended hours the week of Christmas, which adds to the confusion. When you are trying to plan out your week of shopping, you are probably wondering, is Costco open on Christmas Day?

Is Costco open Christmas Day?

Costco will be closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Day is one of only a few holidays that all Costco stores close their doors.

When will Costco stores be open Christmas Week?

Many retailers are open for extended hours the week before Christmas to give everyone a chance to finish their last-minute shopping before Christmas Day. Most Costco stores are open 24 hours so they will not be open for extended hours, but they will be operating on a different schedule Christmas week. Check with your local store, but most Costco stores will be open the following hours:

Sunday, December 18, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Monday, December 19, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Tuesday, December 20, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Wednesday, December 21, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Thursday, December 22, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Friday, December 23, 2016: 10 AM – 8:30 PM

Saturday, December 24, 2016: Closing at 5 PM

Sunday, December 25, 2016: Closed

Saturday, December 26, 2015: Regular hours. Check with your local store for the time they will reopen.

Will Costco Online be Available?

You will be able to visit the company’s website to purchase items throughout the week. However, the deadlines for items expected to arrive on Christmas has passed, so you may want to pop in the store before Friday to get all of your gifts out of the way. If you are stuck on what to get someone, a gift card always makes a nice gift. Make it something that they like, like a gift card to their favorite restaurant or spa would be greatly appreciated as a way to treat themselves after the stress of the holiday season. If you’re not sure of their favorite store or restaurant, American Express, Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards are a great gift idea. The recipient can treat themselves wherever they like.

If you are wondering about a specific store’s hours of operation during Christmas week, call and ask about the hours. Some smaller stores and locally-owned retailers may be closed for more than one day. Other stores, like Costco will only close for Christmas Day. Plan out your shopping, and make sure you get their before the doors close. Happy shopping!

Is Target Open on Christmas Day 2016?

December 22, 2016 By Alexa Mason 1 Comment

Shopping during the holidays can get hectic between work and holiday parties. Knowing when stores are open and closed can be confusing for even the most organized shoppers. Almost all stores used to close on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but some stores have started opening on Thanksgiving Day to start the holiday shopping season. To make store hours more confusing, many major retailers open extended hours the week before Christmas to help all the last-minute shoppers finish their holiday gift lists.

If you did procrastinate and leave your shopping to the last-minute, you may be wondering just how much time you have left to shop. When planning your week to finish shopping and get ready for the holiday, you might be asking what stores are open and their hours. Is Target open on Christmas Day?

Is Target open Christmas Day?

Target will be closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Day and Easter Sunday are the only holidays that Target stores close. On most other holidays Target stores are open regular hours or for limited hours.

When will Target stores be open Christmas Week?

Target stores may be closed on Christmas Day, but they are open for extended hours the week before Christmas to give everyone a chance to finish their last-minute shopping before Christmas Day. Check with your local store, but most Target stores will be open the following hours:

Sunday, December 18, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Monday, December 19, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Tuesday, December 20, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Wednesday, December 21, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Thursday, December 22, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Friday, December 23, 2016: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Saturday, December 24, 2015: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, December 25, 2015: Closed

Monday, December 26, 2015: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Can I shop on the Target website?

If you can’t make it to your local Target store, there are lots of delivery and pick up options available through the Target website. It’s always a good idea to place your online orders early so they will be delivered in time for the holiday. The Post Office is also operating are holiday hours Christmas week. Here are some options available at Target.com:

Order by December 21st for free standard shipping with delivery by Christmas
$10 same-day delivery – in limited markets Target is offering same-day delivery for an additional $10 fee. Place your order by 1:30PM Monday-Saturday to receive it 6:00-9:00 PM that evening
Instacart – shoppers in Minneapolis, St. Paul, San Francisco & San Jose can make an order through the Instacart app and have their items delivered by a personal shopper within 2 hours
Same-day in-store pickup for some items. When placing your order online you will be able to see if the item is available for same day pick up at your local store
Curbside pickup – shoppers in selected areas of San Jose, San Francisco, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia & Chicago can place orders through the Curbside app and have their order brought to their car

If you are having a hard time finding the perfect gift for someone, consider purchasing them a gift card instead. A gift card to the recipient’s favorite restaurant or spa would be greatly appreciated as a way to treat themselves after the stress of the holiday season. If you’re not sure of their favorite store or restaurant, American Express, Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards are a great gift idea. The recipient can treat themselves wherever they like.

Is Walmart Open on Christmas Day 2016?

December 22, 2016 By Amanda Stewart 2 Comments

The holidays can be hectic between shopping, work and holiday parties. Many of us procrastinate and leave our shopping to the last-minute. It’s important to know when stores are open and closed so that you can plan your week and finish shopping before Christmas Day. If you are shipping gifts, you also have to be aware of when the post office will be open.

Almost all stores used to close on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but some stores have started opening on Thanksgiving Day to start the holiday shopping season. To make store hours even more confusing, many major retailers are open extended hours the week before Christmas. When planning your week to finish shopping and get ready for the holiday, you might be asking what stores are open and their hours. Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?

Is Walmart open Christmas Day?

Walmart will be closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Day is the only holiday that all Walmart stores close. They do not open for limited hours like on Thanksgiving Day.

When will Walmart stores be open Christmas Week?

Many retailers are open for extended hours the week before Christmas to give everyone a chance to finish their last-minute shopping before Christmas Day. Most Walmart stores are open 24 hours so they will not be open for extended hours, but they will be operating on a different schedule Christmas week. Check with your local store, but most Walmart stores will be open the following hours:

Sunday, December 18, 2016: Regular hours

Monday, December 19, 2016: Regular hours

Tuesday, December 20, 2016: Regular hours

Wednesday, December 21, 2016: Regular hours

Thursday, December 22, 2016: Regular hours

Friday, December 23, 2016: Regular hours

Saturday, December 24, 2016: Closing at 8:00 PM

Sunday, December 25, 2016: Closed

Monday, December 26, 2016: Regular hours. Check with your local store for the time they will reopen.

Can I shop on the Walmart website?

If you can’t make it to your local Walmart store, there are plenty of delivery and pick up options available through the Walmart website. It’s always a good idea to place your online orders early so they will be delivered in time for the holiday. Here are some options available at Walmart.com:

Order by December 20th for free standard shipping with delivery by Christmas
Order by December 21st for expedited shipping with delivery by Christmas
Order by December 22nd for rush shipping
Order by December 23rd for in-store pick by Christmas

Not all stores have same day in-store pickup. You will be able to see when your item will be available for in-store pickup when placing online orders. Since service varies by location, you may not want to wait until December 23rd and risk not receiving your item in time for Christmas.

If you are having a hard time finding the perfect gift for someone and running out of time, consider purchasing them a gift card. A gift card to the recipient’s favorite restaurant or spa would be greatly appreciated as a way to treat themselves after the stress of the holiday season. If you’re not sure of their favorite store or restaurant, American Express, Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards are a great gift idea. The recipient can treat themselves wherever they like.