WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Christmas and New Year's are behind us, which means people are making their way to the stores to do their gift returns, exchanges and even do some more shopping. According to experts, Americans can expect to see those long lines again this month and a record-breaking number in returns. As you prepare to do those returns, remember to have some patience because some stores are short-staffed and may not get to you as quickly. Free Music Fridays winter season at MGM Springfield Be sure to have your gift receipts out and ready to save some time at the register. It is also best to make sure that the item you are returning is unused and in its original packaging and keep the tags on the clothing. Stores like Walmart, Macy's, and Best Buy have extended their return policies because of the holidays. However, you still want to check the return policy of the stores you have returned items for to avoid inconveniences. To avoid the hassle and missing the return window, you may want to get those returns done as soon as you can. Local News Headlines Audit faults state on hospital monitoring DEEP identifies body found in Connecticut River Son accused of killing father in Hartford motel stabbing The Big E ranks in largest U.S. carnivals for attendance WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.