SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Whether they travel through rain or snow, mail carriers across the country are braving the elements to make deliveries.
"This time of year, the office in North Syracuse, [we] probably [deliver] somewhere around 1,000 packages a day or more," said USPS Mail Carrier Steve Conklin.
But, before your package arrives at the doorstep, it makes its way through a sorting facility. And spokesperson Maureen Marion says over the last few years, they've seen more packages entering the mail-stream.
"The postal service today expects to probably deliver nationwide about 30 million packages, but it feels like there's 30 million here in North Syracuse," said Marion.
The Postal Service is predicting a 12 percent increase in the number of packages they'll be handling from Thanksgiving to Christmas compared to last year. And it's not just gifts arriving by mail either.
"So, it could be your holiday ham is coming in the mail, a tablecloth for your table is coming in the mail, maybe an extra comforter for uncle Bob to sleep on the couch coming in the mail, it's everything," said Marion.
And to make sure your boxes are ready for the ride, she suggests sealing them with strapping tape, not putting wrapping paper on the outside of your box, and making sure the address is written in blue or black ink that doesn't run.
"Sometimes the carrier—we do what we can but if it's raining or it's snowing and there's a little drip someplace, a small drip can obliterate an address quickly," said Marion.
She adds that the earlier you mail, the better.
"Better it's under the tree or at the Hanukkah table than in the mail. Santa has Rudolph with his nose so bright. We're using a regular airplane, so please put it out there," said Marion.