While we're right in the middle of the eight-day Hanukah holiday, and with Christmas just days away, this is certainly the time to think gifts and shopping. So this most definitely should be the time to think Great Neck first!

Once you have your shopping list in hand, before you ''cross the border'' and leave the peninsula, think Great Neck! Just a quick glance at your list should show you that so much of what you plan to buy can be purchased right here in local shops.

Why travel any distance? Why face any traffic? (Even Northern Boulevard becomes a long, long parking lot on these special annual shopping week-ends.) And why come up against indifferent salespeople in large, impersonal stores when you can be treated to individual attention from friendly merchants right in your own home town?

And once again this year, the downtown shopping district's Business Improvement District (the BID) is offering free gift certificates, just for the asking. Call BID Director Ron Edelson at 829-1301 and you will receive two free $10 gift certificates, good on purchases of $50 or more. These special holiday gift certificates can be used at over 70 participating local stores. It doesn't get any better, any easier, than this!

Make your shopping trips shorter, simpler, and for sure, much more pleasant this year by shopping Great Neck first! You may be surprised to find that your first stop may be your last stop.

And, by the way, while you are out in town, be sure to treat yourself, too, and take a break along the way. Stop in at one of Great Neck's lovely dining spots for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just coffee or a snack. The choices here in town are endless.

Shop in Great Neck! Enjoy the experience, as you help boost your own local economy!

Happy Holidays! Happy shopping!

Wendy K. Kreitzman