Area post offices to close early Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

All county post offices will close early Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but regular mail will be delivered as usual both days.

The post offices will be closed Christmas and New Year's Day, with regular mail delivery resuming Friday, Dec. 26, and Jan. 2.

"Many businesses close early Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve," Brazil Postmaster Dianna Egold said. "The number of customers visiting our lobbies Dec. 24 and 31 greatly diminishes. We view this as an opportunity to allow our retail employees more time with their families by closing retail operations in many locations early both days."

The post offices will close at noon Dec. 24 and 31.

"We will make our last collection for mail deposited in blue collection boxes on Dec. 24 and 31 at noon," Egold said.

Express mail items should be dropped off or picked up by Tuesday, Dec. 23, for delivery Christmas Day.

"Express Mail customers also get free insurance for up to $100 against loss or damage," Egold said. "We even provide signature proof of delivery plus tracking information."

Postal service packaging is environmentally friendly and free. Customers can mail packages from home by going to www.USPS.com to schedule a free pickup.