Consumer Edition, Issue 39








Holiday Delivery



As mentioned in last month's newsletter, in 2013, several retailers did not get Christmas packages to their destinations on time. To help ensure that packages are delivered in time for Christmas, here are some dates to remember:

Post Office (mail by dates for Christmas Eve delivery)
Dec 2: First-class mail International and Priority mail International
Dec. 20: First-class and priority mail in the U.S.

(Note: The busiest day for the post office is expected to be Dec. 15.)
   

FedEx
FedEx asks you to look at their service maps to determine the transit time for your FedEx Ground and Home Delivery shipments.

 

UPS
To arrive by Christmas Eve, UPS asks that you get the packages being shipped domestically to them by:
UPS Ground, 12-18 (one to six days delivery depending on Zip Code)
UPS 3 Day Select®, Dec 12-19
UPS 2nd Day Air®, Dec 12-22 UPS Next Day Air®, Dec 12-23





What is a Tree Doing in My House?

The use of evergreen garlands, wreaths and trees symbolized eternal life to the ancient Hebrews, Chinese and Egyptians as well as the pagan Europeans. The origin of the Christmas tree has traditions in several countries but it appears that the custom evolved in 15th or 16th century Germany.

As a child in Great Britain, Queen Victoria was familiar with it because one was placed in her room each Christmas. In 1832, the 13-year old wrote in her journal:

After dinner... we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-room... There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees…

In the US, many cities with German influences lay claim to the first Christmas tree as far back as 1777. However, Easton, PA, says they had the "First Christmas Tree in America" put up by German settlers in 1816.



Christmas and Hanukkah Facts

  • Pope Julius I, Bishop of Rome, in 350 AD proclaimed December 25th as the celebration date of the birth of Christ.
  • The tallest Christmas tree (according to the Guinness world records) ever cut down was a 221 foot Douglas fir. It was on display in the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle in 1950.
  • Data analyzed from Facebook posts suggests that one of the most popular times for couples to breakup is two weeks prior to Christmas. Christmas day itself, is the least favorite breakup day.
  • For Hanukkah, children received gelt which means money in Yiddish. Recently, the tradition is that children receive a small gift each of the eight nights of the festival.
  • Jewish children play a traditional game using a four-sided toy top called a dreidel.
  • Hanukkah foods tend to be fried potatoes (latkes or potato pancakes) and Sufganiyot (a sweet jelly-filled doughnut).
Owners:
Joyce Jones

915 SW Rimrock Way Ste: 201
Redmond, OR 97756

Phone:
541-504-2340
541-504-2341 Fax

Email:
pca119@postalconnections.com

Website:
postalconnections.com/119

Hours:
M-F 8am - 6pm
Sat 9am - 5pm
Sun CLOSED

Postal Connections:
Postal Connections, a store in your neighborhood, provides a wide variety of business and administrative services that support on-the-go consumers and business people. We provide the service you want with the technology we know.

Services and products offered include a full spectrum of shipping choices, packaging, mailbox rental, copying/printing, office/shipping supplies, internet services, document preparation, notary services, passport photos, greeting cards and faxing.



Hanukkah



In 2014, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 16th. This widely celebrated Jewish holiday is an eight day long festival that commemorates the religious and military triumphs of ancient Jewish heroes. The festival is marked by exchanging gifts, eating traditional Jewish food and the illumination of lights.




Hanukkah and Christmas Quotes

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!
Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly
Andy Rooney

On Hanukkah, the first dark night, light yourself a candle bright. I'll you, if you will me invite, to dance within that gentle light.
Nicholas Gordon

Colorful candles burning bright, each lit on eight very special nights.
Anonymous