Postal service ready to deliver For 2024 Holiday season
WASHINGTON — The US Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush, thanks to the substantial progress USPS has made under the Delivering for America plan — a $40 billion investment aimed at revitalizing the national postal network — the Postal Service said October 15.
Throughout 2024, USPS has been relentlessly working toward the objectives of its 10-year Delivering for America plan.
By harnessing the power of network modernization, an upgraded delivery fleet and the successful launch of the USPS Ground Advantage and USPS Connect services, the Postal Service is building a reenergized, nationwide integrated mail and package network.
This logical, efficient, cost-effective and reliable network will ensure dependable and affordable service throughout the holiday season. As a result, USPS says it is ideally suited to handle the increased volume of mail and packages typical of the holiday season, demonstrating its commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service to all customers.
Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy said the historic transformation of the Postal Service, “made possible by our Delivering for America plan — has allowed us to realize more package processing capacity than ever before.
“Our operational, transportation and delivery processes have never been more finely tuned, and I am fully confident in our ability to once again handle the peak holiday season surge,” DeJoy added. “We are strongly positioned to deliver exceptional, affordable service to the American people during the holidays and beyond.”
Key accomplishments and areas of progress ahead of the 2024 peak holiday season include:
*Increasing daily processing capacity to approximately 60 million.
Since 2020, the Postal Service has nearly tripled its daily package processing capacity. Increased package processing capacity allows packages to move through the postal network faster and USPS to lease temporary annexes to handle increases in holiday volume.
*Planning to hire only 7,500 seasonal staff.
With a stabilized workforce and improved operating processes, the Postal Service plans to hire 7,500 seasonal staff, compared with 10,000 last year.
Among the seasonal stamps issued by USPS ahead of the 2024 holiday season are Winter Whimsy, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Holiday designs. —United States Postal Service images
*Revamping the postal delivery and processing network.
The organization has dedicated nearly $17.3 billion from the plan’s $40 billion self-funded investment budget to drive the transformation of the postal network. This commitment is fueling the ongoing development of a modernized, efficient and technologically advanced postal network.
*Enhancing the postal delivery fleet.
USPS is significantly upgrading the fleet with the addition of 106,000 new, more reliable vehicles. This includes
‘Decked
C.H. Booth Library will host a virtual tour of conservatories, mansions and gardens including Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Blithewold, Newport mansions, and others, all decorated for the holiday season.
“Decked Out for the Holidays” will be
66,000 zero-emission electric vehicles, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while ensuring reliable service.
*Offering new shipping services.
The successful implementation of USPS Ground Advantage and USPS Connect has led to a notable surge in shipping volumes. These initiatives have not only expanded the Postal Service’s capacity but also improved its efficiency, ensuring a seamless shipping experience for customers.
Out For The Holidays’ Via Zoom
offered Monday, December 2, at 7 pm.
Jana Milbocker will serve as the virtual tour guide.
Milbocker is the principal of Enchanted Gardens, and a lecturer and author. She combines horticulture, design, and travel tips to edu-
cate, inspire and delight both new and seasoned gardeners.
The two-acre garden surrounding her Victorian home features more than 140 varieties of trees and shrubs, perennial gardens, peony and rose beds, water features and shady
USPS has also prioritized morning parcel delivery, enhanced scanning technology and extended retail and pick-up delivery hours at popular Post Office locations, while continuing to offer the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world.
For tips on preparing shipments, including recommended mailing and shipping dates, packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.
Recommended Mailing & Shipping Dates
The following are recommended sendby dates for expected delivery before December 25.
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in the Contiguous United States (Lower 48 States):
USPS Ground Advantage service: December 18
First-Class Mail service:
December 18
Priority Mail service: December 19
Priority Mail Express service:
December 21
2024 Holiday Mailing and Shipping Dates for Items Sent to Addresses in Alaska and Hawaii:
USPS Ground Advantage service: December 16
First-Class Mail service: December 18
Priority Mail service: December 19
Priority Mail Express service:
December 20
For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.
For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
retreats. Her professional experience includes 25 years as an art director and designer. Registration is required and available through chboothlibrary.org. For additional information call the library at 203-426-4533.
Since its inception more than a century ago, USPS Operation Santa has helped answer the thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus through the Postal Service each year.
—United States Postal Service illustrations
USPS Operation Santa Teams Up With Toys’R’Us To Deliver More Holiday Joy
WASHINGTON — The US Postal Service has announced a new partnership between two iconic American brands — USPS Operation Santa and Toys”R”Us — for the 2024 holiday season. The collaboration is expected to expand the already beloved USPS Operation Santa program, making it easier than ever for families and individuals to participate.
USPS Operation Santa allows generous people from across the United States to help fulfill the holiday wishes of families in need by adopting their letters to Santa Claus.
Since its inception more than a century ago, USPS Operation Santa has helped answer the thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus through the Postal Service each year. Through the collaboration with Toys”R”Us, letter Adopters can now easily select and purchase gifts from a specially curated e-commerce site.
Write A Letter
Through USPS Operation Santa, children write their holiday wishes to
Santa Claus and send their letters to his official address.
The program is currently accepting letters from children and families who write to Santa to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday season.
This year’s letters deadline is December 9.
Suggestions for better letters include writing legibly, including full name and address in the letter, listing the hoped-for gifts in order of preference, being specific about the gifts being asked for, and not asking for gifts that might be too expensive.
Additional suggestions and resources, including downloadable letter templates, are available at uspsoperationsanta.com/getinvolved.
Senders need to include their full name and return address, and send the letter to Santa, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888, with a first-class stamp in the upper right corner of the envelope.
These letters are then anonymized and made available for adoption on the program’s website, USPSOperationSanta.com.
Read & Adopt
Generous individuals, families and organizations can browse the letters, adopt one or more of them and fulfill the child’s holiday wishes.
Registration opens for Adopters on November 4. Adopters must create an online account.
Adoption this year opens November 18, when letters start getting posted.
Last call for Adopters is December 16. Those who adopt a child or family receive a preprinted Note from Santa within their instruction packet. The note can be included with the gift when it’s time to ship it to the recipient. While senders are also welcome to include handwritten notes, senders are reminded to sign their notes from Santa, “to keep it anonymous — and to keep the magic alive!” the USPS website notes.
Shipping costs are the responsibility of the Adopter.
The website has additional information, including full instructions for Writers and Adopters.
USPS Marketing Vice President Sheila Holman says delivering holiday joy has
never been easier.
“Our partnership with Toys”R”Us is just the beginning,” Holman added. “This year, we’re excited to offer a curated selection of toys and playthings, and next year, we’ll be expanding to include clothing, shoes, books and more. Our goal is to make it even easier for people to personalize their gift-giving and help more families experience the magic of the holidays through USPS Operation Santa.”
Toys”R”Us E-Commerce Vice President Gary Haas said simplifying the adoption process and offering a curated selection of gifts makes it easier for individuals and families “to spread joy to children in need and make their holiday dreams come true. Together, we’re creating magical moments that will resonate for years to come.”
USPS Operation Santa will be highlighted in the new season of Hulu’s original docuseries, Dear Santa, debuting Sunday, November 24. The series will feature real-life stories of children whose letters were answered and the generous individuals and families who adopted them.
Don’t Let The Holiday Season Lead To Debt In 2025
The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than planned and rack up unmanageable debt.
According to Certified Financial Planner professionals, the following suggestions can help anyone celebrate the season in style while positioning themselves for a financially healthy 2025.
Create A Budget
Determine up front what can be earmarked for holiday expenses.
Make a comprehensive list of all expected expenditures, including for travel, hosting, decorating, gifting and charitable giving.
For those not already budgeting, a CFP professional can help you create one to stay on track with your financial goals during the holidays and beyond.
Stretch That Budget
Stretch that holiday budget creatively. When shopping online or booking travel, find the best deals by using a browser extension that comparison shops. Entertaining? Rather than providing every dish, host a cookie exchange or potluck.
For those with a large extended family or circle of friends that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.
Maintain Credit
While it’s fun to be extravagant and give big-ticket items that will wow recipients, holiday spending should
The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than planned and rack up unmanageable debt. There’s nothing jolly about that.
—Kaboompics.com photo
not harm your credit. Keep an eye on your debt-to-credit ratio throughout the season and set reminders of when credit card payments are due.
If purchasing an item using a Buy Now Pay Later plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.
Give Wisely
Many people make charitable contributions around
the holidays. If this sounds familiar or like something to try, do so in a way that offers a tax advantage.
From deductions to donating appreciated assets to using a Donor Advised Fund, a CFP professional can help find a strategy that is good for both the donor and the cause they care about.
Save All Year
Diverting a small portion of each paycheck into a special savings fund all year long can help you be prepared to meet holiday expenses.
Once this current season wraps up, begin planning for next year.
A CFP professional can help set this fund up and offer suggestions for maximizing these savings.
Make Resolutions Now
Whether it’s to pay down debt or set up a retirement fund, it isn’t mandatory to wait until the new year to get started on those resolutions.
Get a healthy money mindset now so that come January, habits that move toward goals are already established.
Planning ahead and/or working with a financial advisor to prep for the holidays can help ensure a stressfree season. Find a CFP professional at letsmakeaplan. org.
During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. Smart spending habits can help ensure entering 2025 in the black, however.
—StatePoint
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Medical Tips For A Healthy And Safe Holiday Season
The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment.
Doctors advise prioritizing healthy choices during this period, to start 2025 on the right foot.
American Medical Association (AMA) President Bruce A. Scott, MD, says everyone wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday, “but the season is often a time for overindulgence in food and drink, increased stress and exposure to respiratory illness.”
The AMA recommends taking these steps during the holidays:
Vaccines are a safe and remarkably effective defense from a number of serious respiratory viruses that circulate in the fall and winter. Get up-todate on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older
Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination as well as the monoclonal antibody immunization.
For those with questions, speak to a physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.
Watch what you eat.
Pay particular attention to labels and avoid processed foods as much as possible, especially those with added sodium and sugar.
Consider having a healthy snack before a big meal or offer to bring a healthier dish for a holiday spread.
Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, and eat nutritious,
ly members have been told they have prediabetes. With this information, it is easier to better understand the risk and take charge of your health.
Prioritize mental health.
Factors such as holiday spending and navigating time with extended family can bring on extra seasonal stress.
Help manage stress by getting sufficient sleep, exercising, and seeking help from a mental health professional if needed.
Make smart choices and plan ahead if consuming alcohol.
In December 2021 alone, 1,013 Americans died in alcohol-impaireddriving crashes.
Do not drink and drive under any circumstances. Conversely, designated drivers must make a 100% commitment to sobriety.
Be prepared when traveling. Whether flying or taking a road trip, there may be temptations to grab convenient, unhealthy food for the journey.
Consider packing snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables or small portions of dried fruits and nuts.
The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment. —Gustavo Fring photo
whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables alongside richer holiday fare.
Stick to your exercise schedule and prioritize physical activity during this busy time of year.
A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a
week of vigorous-intensity activity.
Brisk walks, bike rides, hikes and even family-friendly sports like basketball and touch football are good for heart health.
Use time with relatives to find out whether your family has a history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease , and whether other fami-
A Virtual 90-Minute Time Travel To ‘Christmas Past’
Christmas has long been celebrated with a feast, evergreens, and fruit. Researcher John Cilio will discuss this and other holiday traditions during a program hosted by C.H. Booth Library this season.
—Katrin Bolovtsova photo
In America, since Colonial days, Christmas has been celebrated with a feast, evergreens, and fruit. The kissing ball was a common colonial festive decoration.
Widescale Christmas decorations were slow to start in England and North America where even in the mid-1800s, only a few American homes had Christmas trees.
Franklin Pierce was the first President to have a Christmas tree in the White House; that was 1853.
Christmas trees and decorating for Christmas are still an important symbol of the holiday. Real candles on trees were replaced by electric lights in the early 1900s. Little villages, initially glittered cardboard candy boxes shaped like little houses, surrounded Christmas trees.
Ornaments, in all types of materials, were made in the home, imported from Germany and later from Japan.
Researcher John Cilio will offer a virtual 90-minute time travel to an earlier era of family celebration in “Christmas Past,” a program hosted by C.H. Booth Library planned for Tuesday, December 17.
The program will begin at 7 pm and registration is required; visit chboothlibrary.org.
For additional information contact Kate Sasanoff at 203426-4533 or ksasanoff@chboothlibrary.org.
Survey Reveals What’s Top Of Mind For Holiday Shoppers
As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are planning to kick off their shopping earlier this year, aiming to lock in low prices, take advantage of promotions, and ensure all their gifts arrive on time. A recent survey by Sensormatic Solutions reveals key insights that can guide both shoppers and retailers during this busy time.
According to the survey, 52% of respondents plan to start their holiday shopping earlier than last year, and while shoppers are looking for deals, 48% plan to spend more than they did last year.
Sensormatic Solutions Global Marketing Leader Christa Anz says understanding consumer trends “is critical for both shoppers and retailers alike.
“This survey highlights important considerations that can enhance the shopping experience and inform retail strategies,” she added.
Following are some of the survey’s top findings.
Early Shopping Trends
Over half (54%) of shoppers plan to
begin their holiday shopping before November. This trend indicates a shift towards early planning to secure deals and avoid the rush of the season’s busiest shopping days.
Early shopping also helps lock in the best prices and ensure stock availability.
Preferred Pickup Options
This year, 42% of shoppers plan to use Buy Online, Pickup In Store (BOPIS), and 35% will opt for curbside pickup.
However, 29% of respondents are concerned about possible long wait times, suggesting to retailers the importance of efficient customer service during peak hours and the need to provide several pickup options.
Spending Management
While nearly half of shoppers plan to spend more this year, 52% of respondents noted they are creating a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
In fact, 64% of younger shoppers have used recent deal days and flash sales to maximize their spending.
Prioritize Safety
Safety is key to a productive holiday shopping season. In fact, 69% of consumers feel safer with visible security measures such as security personnel, surveillance cameras, and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, and 34% of them consider these features essential for in-store shopping.
This aligns with performance data that suggests such visual deterrents can effectively reduce theft and organized retail crime.
Retailers should prioritize safety features, such as surveillance cameras and security personnel, to foster a positive shopping environment.
For more holiday shopping insights, visit sensormatic.com.
This holiday season presents an opportunity for both consumers and retailers to adapt to evolving shopping behaviors. By understanding these insights, retailers can better meet customer expectations, while shoppers can enjoy a more informed and relaxed shopping experience.
Get New Year’s resolutions started early.
Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use, and declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
“The holiday season is a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends — it’s also a chance to reconnect with your physical and mental health,” says Dr Scott.
—StatePoint
Woman’s Club Of Woodbury Announces 2024 Holiday House Tour
WOODBURY — The Woman’s Club of Woodbury will hold its 28th Holiday House Tour on Saturday, December 14. Begun in 1995, the tour has become a staple of holiday celebration, enjoyed by thousands of visitors from local, loyal attendees to residents from surrounding states. This year, six festively decorated homes will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.
Tickets will be on sale beginning November 1 through EventBrite and numerous local businesses.
Advance tickets are $30.
Tickets, including maps, will be available on the day of the tour for $35 at Woodbury Senior Center, 281 Main Street South/Route 6 in Woodbury.
Refreshments and holiday treats will be served throughout the day.
Holiday baskets, with fresh greenery and bows, will also be available for purchase.
For House Tour information, contact co-chairs Kris Atwood (203-313-2639) or Claudette Volage at (203-419-5208).
Established in 1896, The Woman’s Club of Woodbury is the oldest, continuously operating GFWC in the state. The club supports scholarships for Nonnewaug High School students and deserving women who are at a crossroads in their careers.
In addition, it supports the food bank, local arts, community projects and shelters for the homeless and the domestically abused.
Since 1995, proceeds from the House Tour have provided over $260,000 toward these community causes.
The club welcomes women of all ages who join in sharing their time and talents to support local, worthy causes. Business meetings are at 11 am the first Monday of every month from September through April. These meetings are followed by a variety of speakers, presenting programs on contemporary topics and are open to the public.
For membership information, call 203948-1762; for general club information visit womansclubofwoodbury.org.
Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801 860-946-9705
Ann’s Place To Celebrate Local Community Traditions At 22nd Annual Festival Of Trees
DANBURY — Ann’s Place will present the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees: “Celebrating Traditions,” marking the official start to the holiday season, November 22-24 at The Summit in Danbury.
The Summit will transform into a magical winter wonderland featuring beautifully decorated trees, each representing a story of resilience and triumph over cancer. Lovingly created by local artisans, the extraordinary trees will ignite the holiday spirit in everyone while serving as a symbol of hope, reminding all of the strength and courage displayed by those affected by cancer.
Throughout the weekend, Ann’s Place will celebrate the many traditions of the local community, featuring live performances by dancers and musicians from cultures around the globe.
On Saturday and Sunday, the stage will come alive with renowned local talent, including Swing Set and $2 Hat.
This year’s Festival of Trees will include a wide array of holiday activities for individuals of all ages. Live music and entertainment, raffles, shopping and children’s craft activities will be featured throughout the weekend.
Attendees can get a jump on holiday shopping and enjoy delicious nibbles and a free drink at Sip, Stroll & Shop on Friday, November 22, from 4-7 pm. Gifts including artisanal and handmade items will be among the offerings that evening.
Adults age 21+ can also enjoy Tast-
The Summit in Danbury will transform into a magical winter wonderland featuring beautifully decorated trees, each representing a story of resilience and triumph over cancer when Ann’s Place presents the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees: “Celebrating Traditions.” —Ann Charles Photography
ings at the Lodge on Saturday, November 23, from 7-10 pm, with wine, spirits and beer tastings, live music, a build-your-own mac & cheese station, and much more. All attendees
will receive full access to the Festival of Trees wonderland, shopping and high-end raffle prizes. “We are excited to honor the diverse traditions that make our community so special,” says
Shannon Cobb, Ann’s Place president & CEO. “The Festival of Trees has always been about bringing people together, and this year we are proud to highlight the cultural richness that defines our local community.”
Festival hours are Friday, November 22, 12-7 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24, 10 am-5 pm.
Festival of Trees admission is $10 for most, $5 senior citizens, and free age 2 and under.
Admission to Sip, Stroll & Shop on Friday is $15, and Tastings at the Lodge admission is $65.
For additional information and tickets visit annsplacefestivaloftrees.org or call 203-790-6568.
Ann’s Place is a leading cancer support organization dedicated to providing compassionate care, support, and resources to individuals and families facing cancer. Its comprehensive services include counseling, support groups, wellness programs, financial assistance, and educational workshops.
Ann’s Place is committed to creating a nurturing environment that empowers individuals to navigate their cancer journey with courage and dignity. All proceeds from Festival of Trees benefit Ann’s Place, supporting vital programs and ensuring that individuals facing cancer can access the emotional, physical, and financial resources they need on their journey towards healing and recovery.
Festival of Trees is the largest annual fundraiser for Ann’s Place and has raised over $4 million since 2003.
