I kinda wondered when I read the article if perhaps the USPS had been wanting to rid itself of this service in these times of increasing costs and decreasing customers. This would be a great excuse to drop the program without having to take the blame for it.
Possibly to stay within a ‘state’ budget, but doubtfully due to the increased volume (remember, that’s how they cover their losses) at holidays.
I recall reading of other similar programs, both public and private ending for the same reason. That was in the mid ‘70s too. Same thing happened with Halloween.