Today Is One Of Busiest Mailing Days Of The Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Don't let the warmer temperatures fool you---Christmas is coming and one of the first holiday deadlines is fast approaching: getting those packages in the mail.

Pat Warren reports the countdown starts now.

Before the end of business, the Postal Service predicts this will have been one of the busiest mailing days of the year.

It's the push to get those packages under the tree by Christmas morning.

"Absolutely. This is way ahead of time for me. I'm usually right around the 24th looking for an overnighter," said Keith Losoya. "Hopefully they'll get there in time."

Absent reindeer magic, getting your packages delivered on time is, for the most part, up to you. Making sure your gifts are properly packaged, getting the addresses right are little things---and the less pressure, the happier the holiday.

"Well, I'm also on my lunch hour," said Cheri Myers. "Wait til after work, you're going to have the whole neighborhood and then some in here."

For procrastinators, December 21 is the deadline for priority mail. The window for express mail closes on December 23. If you'd rather not make the trip, services are available online.

"Please visit it. You can order supplies; you can order our boxes and you can request pickup and we'll come and pick up and we'll come pick up your packages right at your door," said Postmaster Gary Vaccarella.

So consider this a timely reminder for avoiding the last-minute crush.

The busiest delivery day is December 21.

Seven million people were expected to visit the Postal Service website Monday.