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Tis the season to be busy at the United States Postal Office.

According to the United States Postal service, a total of 159 million addresses are serviced each year.

Everyone living in the United States and its territories has access to the postal products and services. Just last year, it is estimated that the USPS alone delivered 16 billion pieces of mail and packages during the holiday season.

With these numbers, it seems everyone is spreading the holiday cheer.

In preparation for another holiday season, the USPS has issued a few shipping dates to keep in mind.

As part of a holiday campaign, the USPS is encouraging individuals to, “Send joy in time.” Shipping gifts no later than the dates below will ensure a delivery before the holiday arrives.

Domestic

First-class domestic service-retail

Dec. 20

Priority Mail

Dec. 21

Priority Mail Express

Dec. 23

International

Priority Mail International

Dec. 7

Priority Mail Express International

Dec. 14

Global Express Guaranteed

Dec. 19

Locally, the Brewton post office has advised specific dates as well. On Tuesday, Dec. 24, the post office will be open from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Final collection times for blue mail boxes in Brewton may be earlier than usual. Customers are advised to deposit mail by noon on that day.

On Wednesday, Dec. 25, the USPS will be closed. On the following week, the office will be open on Dec. 31, with regular business hours. On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, the post office will be closed.