As the mad rush for holiday deliveries begins, residents are encountering long lines when visiting the post office.

Monday is the busiest mailing day of the year and the deadline to make sure packages arrive for Christmas via First Class. The U.S. Postal Service says it will process nearly three times the normal number of letters and packages. The Norwalk Post Office on Belden Avenue was busy most of the morning as people were already lined up when the post office opened.

Several local post offices are staying open late, and postal workers urge residents to be prepared for a wait.