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By Rebecca Person
December 18, 2023 (Pine Valley) -- Postmaster Jessie Hoffman delights in seeing the Pine Valley branch of the U.S. Postal Service office decorated to fit the spirit of the holiday season. This year, volunteers lent a hand.
“It was such a nice addition to have the community helping this year to have the town decorated.” she exclaims. “I came in on Monday to find the gingerbread men lining the sidewalk. Then, during the week others came to hang the snowflakes.”
She continues, “We love to make the office festive and welcoming to the community… This past year we had a seasonal tree up year-round. It is Pine Valley, after all, and having a pine tree in the lobby gives a special touch. Each Christmas we try our best to go all out. My Clerk, Annette Ramirez, added a cardboard fireplace to our decorations to help make the office feel more welcoming.”
This year, Postmaster Hoffman promises, “We will follow in tradition and ensure we have cookies and coffee for our customers the last day we are open before Christmas. I’ve always enjoyed dressing up as an elf and allow my employees to join if they would like.”
While the post office gets a colorful redo for the season, people are under more pressure to make a post office visit quick and easy. Here are some suggestions for making the last few mailing days easier and more fun.
There are coloring pages available at the post office - kids can return with their colored pages and have them posted on a pegboard at the retail counter. Also kids’ letters to Santa can be mailed via the special North Pole mailbox provided next to the regular collection box. Their letters should have a return address, a postage stamp, and be addressed to:
Santa Claus 123 Elf Road,
North Pole zip code 8888
Lots of holiday-themed postage stamps (photo, right) are available. 
Here are some holiday packaging tips to keep in mind:
First, select a box slightly larger than the content you’ll be putting into it.
Second, add packing material to protect the package contents.
Third, remember to individually wrap to protect fragile items.
Fourth, close the box properly, adding packing tape (not string or ribbon) along folds and edges.
Key recommended shipping and mailing dates for delivery within the US by Dec. 25th are as follows:
Dec 16: USPS Ground Advantage (5 day); First Class Mail (5 day)
Dec 20: Priority Mail (3 day); USPS Ground Advantage (2 day); First Class Mail (2 day); and Priority Mail Express (2 day)
Dec 21: Priority Mail Express (1 day); and Priority Mail (2 day)
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