The gifts you ordered online and even holiday surprises from family or friends might be arriving at your porch early in the morning, late in the evening or even on Sunday through the Christmas season.

This year, the U.S. Postal Service plans to make additional parcel deliveries prior to Christmas to get much-anticipated packages to customers more quickly.

Customers in certain ZIP codes — including Suffolk’s main 23434 area — that traditionally experience higher parcel volumes may receive packages as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 8 p.m. on weekdays and as early as 8:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Of course, there’s always the chance your package will be delivered by the regular carrier during normal delivery hours, as well.

Customers are cautioned not to expect these special deliveries daily, as the decision on whether to make the additional deliveries will be based on the number of packages received for that ZIP code. The special deliveries will not include regular mail, as that will still be delivered by the regular carrier.

For more information about the postal service, visit www.usps.com.