Planning to mail a package today? You're not alone. Of the 18 billion letters, cards and packages mailed using the United States Postal Service during the holiday season, today, Dec. 17, will be the busiest mailing day, according to the postal service.

An expected 655 million cards, letters and packages will be processed nationwide, the postal service said.

If you haven't had the opportunity to mail out your items, and would choose to opt out of waiting in line, an expedited process is available by using the self-service kiosks at several post offices, according to the postal service.

The Mountain View Post Office at 211 Hope Street is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

— Bay City News Service

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