Maine post offices are prepared for the busiest mailing day of the year today, as more than 1 million holiday cards, gifts and other items are expected to be posted statewide.

The volume of mail canceled today in Maine's two large processing plants will be two to three times the amount during a typical day, said Tom Rizzo, a postal service spokesman in Portland. On Wednesday, postal carriers expect to have their busiest delivery day of the season, he said.

As the holidays approach, the post office recommends using Priority Mail and Express Mail. Domestic Express Mail sent by Dec. 23 will be delivered by Christmas Day, according to the postal service.

The main post office in Portland will have extra staff this afternoon to help customers. Employees also will demonstrate how customers can use their home or office computers to place postage on packages and arrange for a pickup without ever going to a post office.

For more information go to www.usps.com

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