HALIFAX -- Shipping companies are preparing for an all-out effort this holiday season, on the heels of what’s already been a record-breaking year.

“We’re going to be processing over 46 million packages in the months of November and December alone,” says Laurie Weston, Purolator retail director.

With more Canadians staying put and sending gifts by mail, a handful of East Coast artists are helping to deliver a touch of home.

Purolator says home deliveries have climbed nearly 50 per cent since the beginning of the pandemic.

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the shipping giant expects those numbers to continue to grow this holiday season.

“It’s going to be an interesting Christmas, but one that we’re going to have to deliver,” says Weston.

Part of delivering that Christmas cheer is helping to spread a little local love. That’s why Purolator had local artists from across the country put a creative touch on their special holiday boxes.

“We had them create a box of what the holidays mean to them,” explains Weston.

Artists have been selected from every Canadian province and territory to put a local spin on 13 limited edition holiday boxes available this December.

“I don’t know how they got my name, but I’m glad they did,” says illustrator and graphic designer Jud Haynes of St. John’s, N.L.

Well known for designing everything from record albums to skateboards, Haynes says this project holds a special place in his heart.

“There’s so many Newfoundlanders that are not going to be able to come home this year,” says Haynes. “I thought it would be fun to almost make it like wrapping paper and cover it with a whole bunch of small things that all represent the province.”

“I’ve got everything on there from the star up on Signal Hill, to the lighting of Habour Grace boats.”

Connecting all corners of Canada was what inspired artist Elana Camille, who designed Nova Scotia’s festive box.

“I really thought about the phrase, the threads that bind us and thinking about the holidays and winter I was like what about the ribbons that bind us so it was a very whimsically inspired design,” says Camille.

Other Maritime artists include P.E.I.,’s Ashley Green, and Hatem Aly for New Brunswick.

The packaging will be available for purchase at Purolator shipping centres and Michael’s locations in early December.