If you hear a clatter on your porch in the early hours of the morning, the United States Postal Service says before you "rush to see what's the matter -it may be your local, friendly letter carrier out to help Santa make deliveries early this year."

The USPS says mail carriers will be working earlier than usual, between the hours of 6 a.m.- 9 a.m. as they are in the midst of the busiest week of the year.

They ask for the public's help keeping their carriers safe as they deliver in the early hours by keeping a porch light on, keeping walkways clean and dogs secured.

The week before Christmas is anticipated to be the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week of the season. USPS estimates nearly 2.3 billion pieces of mail, including greeting cards and packages, will be processed and delivered.

Here are the 2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines:

•                  Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground

•                  Dec. 17 – First-Class Mail (greetings cards and letters)

•                  Dec. 18 – Priority Mail

•                  Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express