Holiday mail deadlines loom -- but it may be too late for overseas letters

If you haven't done your Christmas cards yet, you still have time. But if you're planning on sending a package to a member of the military overseas and want it to arrive before Dec. 25, it may be too late.

With about 16.6 billion cards, letters and packages expected to make their way to the U.S. Postal Service this season, deadlines are quickly approaching for holiday delivery.

Post offices across the suburbs were packed Monday with customers attempting to mail gifts and letters to our country's military as well as internationally. The official deadline to mail to these destinations has passed, but most post offices are still accepting packages with hopes they will arrive before Christmas.

"We just can't guarantee it at this point," said Arlington Heights Postmaster Elizabeth Owens.

Nearly everyone entering the post office Monday had packages to be sent overseas, she said. "We have been extremely busy today," she said.

If you're sending items within the country, you have a little more time.

Packages mailed within the U.S. must arrive at the post office by Dec. 16 for parcel post delivery and by Dec. 21 for first class.

On Dec. 25, Owens said they have a "skeleton crew" only delivering Express Mail and items marked as "Christmas gifts."

Letters and cards should be dropped off by Dec. 21 to arrive in time for the holiday.

If headed to the post office this week, patience is essential.

"I expect this entire week to be truly busy - all the way until Monday," Owens said.