does usps deliver on christmas

Does USPS Deliver on Christmas? What You Need to Know for 2025

As the holiday season approaches, millions of Americans are asking the same question: Does USPS deliver on Christmas? With gift-giving, holiday cards, and last-minute shipments in full swing, understanding the United States Postal Service’s holiday schedule is more important than ever—especially in 2025, when a major policy shift has reshaped the federal holiday calendar.

Thanks to a recent executive order, the week leading up to Christmas has been transformed into a series of federal holidays, including a newly declared national holiday on Christmas Eve (December 24). This change has sparked widespread curiosity—and confusion—about how essential services like mail delivery will operate during one of the busiest times of the year.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down whether USPS delivers on Christmas Day, what to expect during the extended holiday week, and how recent federal changes are affecting mail operations across the country. Whether you’re shipping gifts to loved ones or waiting for an important package, here’s everything you need to know.

Main Narrative: A New Holiday Landscape for USPS in 2025

For decades, the United States Postal Service has followed a consistent holiday schedule: no mail delivery on Christmas Day (December 25), which is a federal holiday. However, in 2025, a significant shift occurred when President Donald Trump declared Christmas Eve (December 24) and Boxing Day (December 26) as new federal holidays. This move, confirmed in multiple major news outlets, has altered the traditional holiday week and raised new questions about mail delivery.

According to verified reports from Fortune, CT Insider, and USA Today, the new federal holidays mean that federal employees—including USPS workers—are entitled to time off on December 24 and December 26, in addition to the standard Christmas Day closure.

So, does this mean USPS delivers on Christmas? The short answer: No, USPS does not deliver on Christmas Day (December 25)—and that hasn’t changed. But the bigger story is what happens the days before and after.

With two additional federal holidays now in place, mail delivery is suspended on December 24, 25, and 26, marking a rare three-day stretch without postal service. This extended pause affects not only personal mail but also time-sensitive deliveries like medications, legal documents, and holiday packages.

“This is a historic shift in how we observe the holiday season,” said a spokesperson cited in USA Today. “While Christmas Day has always been a postal holiday, the addition of Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as federal holidays means a longer break for USPS workers—and a longer wait for customers.”

This change matters because it impacts millions of households and businesses that rely on timely mail delivery. From online retailers fulfilling last-minute orders to families sending greeting cards, the ripple effects of this extended holiday closure are already being felt.

Recent Updates: Official Changes and What They Mean

The most significant development in 2025 is the expansion of federal holidays during Christmas week. Here’s a timeline of key events based on verified news reports:

• December 20, 2025: President Trump signs an executive order declaring December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26 (Boxing Day) as federal holidays. The announcement cites the importance of family time and national unity during the holiday season.

• December 21, 2025: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirms that all federal employees, including USPS workers, will receive paid time off on the new holidays.

• December 22, 2025: USPS issues an official statement confirming that mail delivery will be suspended on December 24, 25, and 26. Post offices will be closed, and no packages or letters will be processed or delivered on these days.

• December 23, 2025: Major retailers and logistics companies, including Amazon and UPS, announce adjusted shipping timelines to account for the extended postal holiday. Customers are urged to plan ahead for holiday deliveries.

These updates clarify that USPS does not deliver on Christmas Day, nor on the newly added holidays. The service resumes on December 27, with normal operations expected to return—though potential backlogs may cause minor delays.

It’s important to note that while USPS follows the federal holiday schedule, private carriers like FedEx and UPS may operate differently. Some offer limited holiday delivery services for an additional fee, but USPS remains bound by federal guidelines.

Contextual Background: Why Christmas Delivery Matters

To understand the significance of this year’s changes, it helps to look at the history of USPS holiday operations.

Christmas Day has always been a federal holiday, dating back to 1870 when Congress established it as a day off for federal employees. USPS, as a federal agency, has traditionally suspended mail delivery on December 25. However, the days leading up to and following Christmas have usually seen normal or reduced service.

The addition of Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as federal holidays is unprecedented in modern U.S. history. While some states and private businesses have observed Christmas Eve as a half-day or informal holiday, this is the first time it has been recognized nationwide as a full federal holiday.

Boxing Day, celebrated in countries like the UK and Canada, has rarely been observed in the U.S. Its inclusion in 2025 marks a cultural shift, possibly influenced by growing international business ties and a desire to extend holiday celebrations.

This expansion reflects broader trends in American work culture, where employers are increasingly offering extended holiday breaks to improve work-life balance. For USPS, which employs over 600,000 workers, the new holidays represent both a benefit and a logistical challenge.

“USPS workers deserve time with their families, especially during the holidays,” said a union representative quoted in CT Insider. “But we also recognize the importance of reliable mail service. The key is planning ahead.”

Historically, USPS has managed holiday surges by increasing staffing and extending processing hours in the weeks before Christmas. However, with three consecutive days off, the system will face a significant backlog when operations resume.

Immediate Effects: How the New Holidays Are Impacting Americans

The immediate impact of the extended holiday closure is already visible across the country.

1. Delayed Mail and Package Delivery
With no mail service from December 24 to 26, any letters or packages sent after December 23 will not be processed until December 27. This delay affects: - Last-minute holiday gifts shipped via USPS - Time-sensitive documents (e.g., tax filings, legal notices) - Prescription medications sent through postal services

Customers are advised to use tracking tools and consider alternative shipping methods if delivery is urgent.

2. Increased Demand for Private Carriers
As USPS pauses operations, many Americans are turning to private carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Logistics. These companies often offer holiday delivery options, though at a premium cost.

“We’ve seen a 40% increase in holiday shipping requests this week,” said a logistics manager at a major e-commerce platform. “People are scrambling to get gifts delivered before the 25th.”

3. Retail and Grocery Store Adjustments
The new holidays have also affected retail operations. According to Fortune, many grocery stores, banks, and restaurants closed early on December 23 or remained shut on December 24 and 26. This has limited access to essential services during the holiday week.

4. Economic Implications
The extended closure could have short-term economic effects. Small businesses that rely on daily mail for invoices or customer orders may experience cash flow disruptions. Additionally, the postal service’s revenue may dip slightly due to reduced shipping volume during the holiday pause.

However, the long-term benefits—such as improved employee morale and reduced burnout—could outweigh these costs. USPS has reported high levels of worker satisfaction following the announcement of the new holidays.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for USPS and Holiday Delivery?

Looking ahead, the 2025 holiday changes may set a precedent for future years. While the addition of Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as federal holidays was framed as a one-time executive order, there is growing bipartisan support for making these days permanent.

Several members of Congress have already introduced legislation to codify the new holidays into law. If passed, this would ensure that USPS—and all federal agencies—observe the extended holiday week annually.

For consumers, this means adapting to a new normal: - Plan shipments earlier: To avoid delays