WASHINGTON (November 9, 2012)--The holiday mail crush is coming soon, and on Friday the U.S. Postal Service announced this year’s key dates.

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said the one big date to remember this holiday season is Dec. 17, which he says will be "the busiest mailing day of the year for holiday cards and packages."

Another important date is Dec. 22, which is the last day to send Express Mail in time for Christmas Day delivery.

But Donahoe said there are a lot of services available online, too.

Labels can be printed and postage purchased online.