Hundreds of millions of letters, Christmas cards and packages makes the Monday about two weeks before Christmas each year the busiest for post offices.
"We expect probably several thousand priority mail pieces to go out today," said Thomas Kerns, Warren postmaster. "The mail that we send to Youngstown as far as our Christmas cards and letters will probably peak at around 600,000 pieces during cancellation operation tonight."
Nationwide, the postal service predicts 839 million pieces of mail will be sent out. That's 40 percent higher than on an average day.
While postal officials admit there has been a slow decline in the amount of mail that goes out each year, some people say that sending an e-mail or and e-card just isn't the same as sending a real Christmas card.
"I love to send Christmas cards," said Patti Keenan, of Hubbard. "That's a big part of the holiday for me. I think it's a wonderful way to keep in touch with family and friends."
There was a steady stream of people at the main post office in downtown Youngstown Monday. Some had Christmas cards, and others were ready to send out gifts. And if customers don't want to box up presents themselves, there are options.
E-Auction Block in Howland will package and send off gifts for them.
"We package everything for them," said Jamie Brutz, with E-Auction Block. "We have bubble wrap, peanuts, boxes. Whatever sizes they need."
Post office officials recommend sending out packages -- by any method -- before Dec. 21 if they're intended to arrive at their destination by Dec.25.
