Have a merrier Christmas by getting gifts and greetings mailed in time for friends and relatives to enjoy. The following information is provided by the Cayman Islands Postal Service.

‘Christmas is one of the busiest times for any postal administration,’ said Deputy Postmaster General Anthony Williams. ‘We handle more than 180,000 pieces of mail on any given week during the Christmas season, whereas in June we handle less than 105,000 pieces of mail a week,’ Mr. Williams explained.

‘To avoid disappointment, post early,’ he urged.

Local deadlines

These deadlines are for all categories of mail.

From Grand Cayman to the Sister Islands: 15 December

From Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, to Grand Cayman: 18 December

Within the Sister Islands: 22 December

Overseas surface mail

Typically transported by land or sea. It usually is the most economical way to post, but it also takes the longest to be delivered. For instance, to send a 2-lbs. package to the US costs CI$3.50, and takes six to eight weeks to be delivered.

The deadline for all destinations was 3 November.

Overseas airmail

The most popular posting method. A 2-lbs. package to the US costs CI$48. Delivery time could be as quick at three days or take up to two weeks.

The deadline for the US and Canada is 12 December; the UK and Western Europe, 8 December; and for all other countries, 5 December.

Overseas air parcel

A little different from airmail, because this method also allows for tracking. A 2-lbs. package to the US costs CI$4 and takes two to three weeks to be delivered.

The deadline for all other countries, exceptthe US and Canada, is 28 November. The deadline for the US and Canada is 5 December.

Express Mail Service

EMS is a courier service for packages weighing a minimum of two pounds. It includes tracking. A 2-lb. package costs CI$18, and takes about three to five days to be delivered.

The deadline for the US and Canada is 16 December; the UK and Western Europe, 15 December; and to all other countries, 12 December.

For more information, visit www.caymanpost.gov.ky or call 949-2474.

Make mailing easier

To make the Christmas mailing process easier, Ann James, deputy postmaster general for finance and human resources, has these hints for customers.

‘These simple steps will help to prevent delays, which gives a little bit of stress relief during the holidays,’ she said.

*Use a current address, including the updated local postal codes; and attach the correct postage.

*Include a return address – again, with an updated local postal code.

For packages, select boxes that are strong enough to protect the contents. Cushion package contents, and leave space for cushioning inside the carton.

*Remember, the maximum parcel weight that the Cayman Islands Postal Service will mail is 22 lbs. Package dimensions should not exceed 42′ length x 72′ length and girth combined.

*For more information, visit www.caymanpost.gov.ky or call 949-2474.