More than 600 million pieces of mail are expected to be processed at post offices nationwide on Monday, the busiest postal day of the holiday season.
People with several packages to be sent to friends and family crowded the post office and processing center at Carmel Mountain Ranch with nearly a week to go until Christmas Day.
"A lot of shopping was done this weekend. Now's the time to mail your Christmas presents to get them to their destination by Christmas," said Eva Jackson, spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Service.
Jackson said there was still ample time for packages to get across the country.
Express mail can be a more expensive but speedier option for those who procrastinate.
Some people felt they were cutting it close. Cindy Lopez was mailing Christmas cards to friends and family.
"It's last minute, yes. I want to make sure they get there in time," she said.
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The post office reminds people they can purchase priority mail postage online and print them out at home to avoid the lines and get a discount. Look for the "Skip the Trip" link on the USPS website.
Jackson also warned that bad weather like the recent snow storms can slow delivery.
The U.S. Postal Service offers tips on how to pack your gift as well as a way to estimate the cost of the delivery on its website.
