USPS holiday mailing tips Published Oct. 31, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Dillon Davis 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 2012 recommended holiday mail deadline dates for postal customers assigned to the European theater of operations have been released. These dates are for mail originating in Europe and destined to locations in the United States. The deadlines for various forms of mail are: - Space available mail is due Nov. 26 - Parcel airlift mail is due Dec.3 - Priority and first class mail is due Dec. 10 - Express mail military service is due Dec. 18 These mailing deadlines are issued to ensure postal services can get mail to recipients on time for the holidays, said Master Sgt. Melvin Graham, 52nd Communications Squadron post master. The Spangdahlem post office also recommends customers follow these mailing tips: - Print or type address information clearly with a pen or permanent marker. Avoid punctuation as it helps mail speed through USPS automated processing equipment. - Include all address elements such as apartment numbers, suite numbers and directional information for streets. - Put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the package. - Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton. - Package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or other protective cushioning. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. - Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced tape, paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape. - Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately. - Remove batteries from toys and other electronic items. - Do not use gift wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape. - Place an index card inside the package with the sender's address and the recipient's address along with a list of the contents written on it. This will help postal employees re-pack boxes that were improperly wrapped and came apart during transport ensuring that the package is either sent to its destination or back to the sender. - Use express mail and priority mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes your post office provides. Holiday season hours Mail out is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p. m. Parcel pickup is open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. For more information, call DSN 452-7195.