BEES: A Limestone, N.Y., reader has noticed different behavior for one local critter recently.

He called to tell us that on Tuesday he saw bees out and about near his garage — unusual for this time of year, he explained. He noticed the same thing back in February.

Are any other readers noticing odd insect behavior?

PACKING TIPS: So, your gifts are now expertly wrapped, with expert folds in the paper and a perfectly placed bow. Now you’ve got to get that gift cross-country.

Here are tips from the United States Postal Service for “How to pack a gift like a pro”:

• Pick a strong and sturdy box, and tape it closed tightly

• Cushion contents to protect them during transportation, and wrap glass and other fragile items with extra newspaper or packing material.

• Place wrapped gift boxes inside a plain larger box.

• Remove all batteries from electronics.

• Remember to place an extra shipping label inside the box, so the item can be returned in case the box or label gets damaged.

Other shipping tips from the agency include:

• Print addresses clearly and in CAPS.

• Include complete “to” and “from” info.

• Check usps.com for the correct ZIP Code — never guess.

• Put mailing label on the inside of the package, with the contents.

• Be sure to label a box as “FRAGILE” if it needs to be handled with extra care.

• Visit usps.com to pay and print postage and schedule a pickup, or drop off your gift for delivery at the Post Office.

Stamps available this holiday season include illustrations called Christmas Carols, The Snow Day, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Holiday Windows, Kwanzaa, Madonna and Child, Nativity and Songbirds.