Suffolk residents hoping to mail Christmas gifts to far-flung friends and relatives have only a few more days to ensure their loved ones receive their presents before the holiday.

The deadline for first-class mail is Monday, with deadlines for Priority Mail and Express Mail falling on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

“Monday is expected to be our busiest mailing day,” said Fran Sansone, regional spokeswoman for the postal service. “Things should be in the mail system by Monday to make sure they’re getting to their destination in time for Christmas delivery.” Sansone encouraged postal customers to mail their gifts as soon as possible and to use the postal service’s online and pickup options to reduce their stress.

“You can go to usps.com, weigh your own package, print the postage and have the carrier pick it up,” she said. “That would make life a lot easier for some people.” Sansone said some post offices will have extended hours on Saturday and next week. Post office retail counters will close at noon on Christmas Eve; however, customers who receive a notice that they have a package awaiting them at the post office can still pick it up, she said.

Sansone offered a few tips for customers mailing packages. People should use a sturdy box that is the right size for its contents. Packing peanuts, bubble wrap or crumbled-up newspaper should be used to keep items from sliding around and to protect fragile gifts. Boxes should be closed with packaging tape, rather than string or masking tape, Sansone added. Both the delivery and return addresses should be written clearly on the box and on a slip of paper inside the box, “just in case something happens with the address on the outside,” Sansone said. Gift-mailers also may want to purchase insurance on their packages for peace of mind, Sansone said. “If it’s something of value, you may need to consider getting insurance,” she said. “You would have to get that insurance at the time of mailing. It can’t be an afterthought.” Finally, people mailing packages and cards should always use the correct ZIP code. “If you’re not sure of the ZIP code that it’s going to, don’t guess,” Sansone said. “Just put the city and state and we’ll take care of it from there.”