I work for a mail order company, and I track 
weekly how long it takes our orders to get to 
their destinations, be it via Priority, First 
Class, or UPS Ground.

For us, at least, the USPS is kicking serious ass 
this holiday season. Even First Class items are 
arriving within 2-3 days, for the most part.

On the other hand, the EMS package I sent on the 
16th JUST cleared customs in England yesterday. 
FIVE days to get from New York to London. Remind 
me again why I paid $32.75 for EMS? The cookies 
inside will be a wee bit stale, alas. :(