Ensuring those serving in the nation’s armed forces and diplomatic service receive their holiday mail in time is a priority for the Postal Service. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Deadlines for Christmas delivery to U.S. Military and APO/FPO depend on the destination. For most destinations, the following cutoff dates apply:

Priority Packages  and First-Class Cards and Letters: Dec 9

Priority Express Mail: Dec 16

• The Postal Service offers a $2 discount on its largest Flat Rate Priority Box when sent to an APO/FPO/DPO address.

• USPS offers a free Military Kit consisting of:

• Two Priority Mail APO/FPO/DPO Flat Rate Boxes
• Two Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes
• Priority Mail tape
• Priority Mail address labels

To order the kit, call 800-610-8734.

Always check with www.usps.com, which will provide packaging tips, prohibited items and other custom’s requirements.