Say Thank You to Your Mail Carrier this Holiday Season

With Christmas around the corner, it's time to thank a very special person in your life -- the mail carrier. Many people don't think about how hard our mail carriers work every day to deliver our packages and letters. How can anyone forget their slogan, which reads "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"? It almost says it all right there. If you're looking for a unique way to say thank you to your mail carrier this holiday season, consider the following ideas:

• Instead of choosing one of their competitors to ship your packages and items, stick with the good old United States Post Office. Many people don't think about the positives the post office has over "those other guys." For example, the post office won't charge you a cent if you mess up an address and receive a "RETURN TO SENDER" stamp. If you send something via one of their competitors, you'll be charged an additional ten dollars, or even more. Sticking with the USPS will keep many of our beloved mail carriers employed, which is a nice way of thanking them for their service.

• Use ballpoint pens and avoid red. Many customers don't think about the eyes of our mail carriers. Most mail carriers appreciate an old fashion blue or black ballpoint pen because the ink doesn't run in the rain and can be easily and quickly read. 

• A bottle of water or cup of coffee goes a long way. Since these service men and women are constantly on their feet, regardless of the weather, think of them during snowstorms and heat waves. If you're home when your mail is delivered, be prepared to offer them a bottle of water or cup of coffee to go when they arrive. This simple gesture goes a long way, especially during the holidays.

• Really want to make the day of your mail carrier? Consider switching to one of those curbside mailboxes. These boxes save your mail carrier some steps, which means a lot when they have miles and miles to walk each day.

Besides, this isn't exactly the best idea anyway.

Although many people think they have to thank their mail carrier monetarily, just a simple thank you will also go a long way. It's important to remember these valuable service men and women during the holidays, as well as year round.