Christmas is fast approaching, and if you're planning on mailing packages and having them get there in time, here's what you need to know.

Deadlines for Christmas deliveries

If you want your package to arrive before Christmas, then standard post delivery must be sent by December 15.  For first-class mail delivery, you need to have it mailed by December 19. Priority mail delivery can be mailed by December 21, and priority express can be sent by December 23.

These are for packages being sent within the continental U.S. Here's what you'll need to know about sending military and international packages.

Basically, the best way to guarantee your packages make it to your friends and family in time for Christmas is to get them in the mail early.

Lubbock post office hours

We spoke with Roy Singer, Manager of the U.S. Post Office at 4901 South Loop 289, about holiday hours at his post office.

Singer said that their station will be open on the two Saturdays before Christmas -- December 12 and 19 -- from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as the two Sundays before Christmas -- December 13 and 20 -- from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. These are in addition to the post office's normal business hours.

He said amended holiday hours will vary from post office to post office, so check with your local post office to see if they are opening additional times through the holidays.

The U.S. Postal Service will be closed and no mail will run on Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day) and on Friday, January 1 (New Year's Day).

And see below for information about the self-serve kiosks in the main lobby of the post office locations. Avoid the lines inside by using these DIY machines.

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