Time is running out for those who are trying to ship gifts for Christmas through the United States Postal Service.

And long lines could be expected at the local post office.

According to Enola Rice, a spokesperson for the USPS, the week of Dec. 17-23 is the busiest shipping season of the year with more than 3 billion pieces of first-class mail, including greeting cards, will be processed and delivered.

Vicksburg Post Office, 3415 Pemberton Square Blvd., is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The deadline to ensure delivery by Christmas day for first-class mail and priority mail service is Thursday, according to the USPS. The deadline for priority mail express service is Dec. 22.

Rice also recommends some tips customers should keep in mind:

“Our customers are very busy and we are too to ensure delivery, but there are some things customers can prepare for,” Rice said. “We recommend getting to the post office early in the day. If they’re using the blue collection boxes, check for the last time for pickup is scheduled. And most importantly, have the proper address, including the zip code, apartment number if there is one. And always use a return address.”

Rice also suggests packages should be in a sturdy box and “take a slip of paper to place inside the box that includes the address and return address incase the box comes open we will know who to send it to or return it to.”

Rice said the USPS doesn’t break down by state the amount of packages and mail that is processed during the holidays.

“But from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we will process over 15 billion pices of mail and 900 million packages,” Rice said. “Although we don’t record volume by state, across the board we are seeing an increase in mailing packages, including Mississippi.”