Thanksgiving's late date this year has left only three weeks preparation for Hanukkah and Christmas.

The U.S. Postmaster has warned that leaves only two weeks to make the holiday shipping deadlines, and less time to make the Dec. 11 deadline for mailing First Class mail cards and letters for military destinations.

The cut off for domestic holiday cards is a few days later.

"Our most economical shipping service is our retail ground service and that deadline is Dec. 14," said postal spokesperson Rod Spurgeon.

"We have our First Class mail deadline, letters and cards, coming up on Dec. 20," he said, "and, our Priority Mail deadline is Dec. 21."

Last-minute procrastinators can wait until Dec. 23, but will pay a premium for Priority Express delivery.

This year, Hanukkah begins Dec. 23, two days before Christmas.