COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The United States Postal Service has announced the deadlines for holiday mail to service members overseas.

"Nothing lifts the spirit higher than using the mail to communicate with our service members during the holidays," Greater South Carolina District Communications Coordinator Harry Spratlin said. "Receiving a card, letter or package brings loved ones closer to family and closer to home."

For Air/Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) ZIP codes in Iraq and Afghanistan, the deadlines are: Parcel Post - November 12; Space Available Mail - November 26; Parcel Airlift Mail - December 1; Priority Mail and First Class Mail - December 3.

For all other APO and FPO ZIP codes, the deadlines are: Parcel Post - November 12; Space Available Mail - November 26; Parcel Airlift Mail - December 3; Priority Mail and First Class Mail - December 10; Express Mail - December 17.

The Postal Service says Parcel Post is a good choice for larger, heavier packages.

"We encourage everyone planning to send something special this holiday season to remember these early deadlines," said Spratlin. "Meeting the deadlines will help make sure that cards, letters and packages to loved ones serving overseas will reach their destinations in time for the holidays." 

The Postal Service also says mail must be addressed to individual service members. Items addressed to "any service member" are not allowed.  Military mailing information and restrictions can be found on the USPS website.