Postal Service lists recommended dates for sending holiday mail

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ In a sure sign that the Christmas season is nearing, the Postal Service issued its annual recommended dates for sending cards and letters for timely delivery overseas. <br><br>Fast

Monday, October 21st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ In a sure sign that the Christmas season is nearing, the Postal Service issued its annual recommended dates for sending cards and letters for timely delivery overseas.

Fast approaching is the deadline for surface mail to Africa and the Middle East _ Nov. 1. Other areas have somewhat later deadlines.

Here are the recommended mailing dates:

_Military APO, FPO and AE ZIP codes beginning 090-098, 340 and 962-966: Parcel post, Nov. 6; Space Available Mail, Nov. 27; Parcel Airlift Mail, Dec. 4; Priority Mail and first-class letters and cards, Dec. 11.

_Africa: surface, Nov. 1; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 9.

_Asia and Pacific rim: surface, Nov. 6; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Australia, New Zealand: surface, Nov. 6; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Canada: surface, Nov. 23; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Caribbean: surface, Nov. 20; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Central and South America: surface, Nov. 6; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 9.

_Mexico: surface, Nov. 23; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Europe: surface, Nov. 13; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.

_Middle East: surface, Nov. 1; air parcels, letters and cards, Dec. 16.