USPS says Christmas gifts on the way despite delays

The U.S. Postal Service is asking everyone to be patient during the holidays, as it navigates shipping delays across the country.

This includes a warning holiday gifts are at risk of arriving late for Christmas.

Some USPS employees are working almost 70 to 80 hours a week to get loved ones their gifts on time.

But the people we spoke to Tuesday say delays don’t bother them.

“We typically don’t see lines on December 22,” said Robert Rhoad, a customer relations coordinator at the Page Field post office.

This year was different as many people send off last minute presents. Many said they know, realistically, gifts they are sending won’t make it Christmas Day.

“We did send it priority, so it’ll arrive on Monday. Close enough,” said Barbara Carlson, who visited the post office to send her great nieces and nephews gifts.

Across the country, Santa’s helpers hustle to reach their goal. They prepare all year for this.

“It’s like our Super Bowl,” Rhoad said.

The pandemic has made the holidays different for all.

“It’s not real safe to go home. Our family is not gathering, so this is the alternative,” Carlson said.

There are more mailed presents than ever this year, so when you add in issues they’re seeing with transportation and staffing, USPS says delays are inevitable.

“It’s something that’s happening systemically to all packing industries and all shipping industries right now,” Rhoad said.

People might be stuck shopping online and talking via Zoom this year, but they say it’s necessary so next year will be brighter.

“With everything going on this year, just the fact that we can even come to the post office and mail out to gift, I think is exciting,” said Morgan Samuels, who visited the post office to mail a personalized painting to her friend.

The good news is, if you waited to the last minute to send gifts, you still have time.

If you go to the post office Wednesday you can get priority mail express next-day shipping. It’s guaranteed to make it under the tree before Santa does, but prepare to pay.