5-billionth holiday package delivered in southwest Missouri

NOEL, Mo. — A package with a special number arrived at the post office in Noel — or rather during this time of year — Noël.

"This is a magical day, the postal service is projecting to deliver its five-billionth mail piece today, and we're going to do it right here in the Christmas City of Noël, Missouri,” said USPS Strategic Communication Specialist, Mark Inglett.

On November 29 (Black Friday), the U.S. Postal Service began its annual count of holiday mail.

"What happens is all the letters, cards, packages that go through our mail processing machines, they're all counted and calibrated and at the end of the day, that information is downloaded and it's a continual clicker updating that information, and we're up to five billion today,” said Inglett.

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Once it arrived at the Noël post office, holiday package number five billion didn't have far to travel. Its destination was just across the street at National TV Sales and Rental, where it was hand-delivered to assistant manager, Kathy Ramirez.

"I'm excited to open it because I really don't know what it is, but I'm excited. Maybe it's a big ole' fat check in there (laughs). No, I'm just kidding,” said Ramirez.

Regardless of what it might be, Ramirez says she'll wait until Christmas day to open the package.

"I mean, it's just a blessing, honestly it is, it really is,” said Ramirez.

Last year, USPS delivered billions of pieces of holiday mail by December 25.

"That is a lot of mail. Those guys work hard,” said Ramirez.

"Last year we had about 12 billion holiday mail pieces, and we're looking to maybe exceed that this year, so we're excited about that," said Inglett.

Postal workers only have a few billion to go before Christmas.

"Let's get those things in the mail, we're already up to five billion right now, so let's keep it going, and then you can relax and enjoy your holiday,” said Inglett.