This year, with Hanukah following right on the heels of Thanksgiving, maybe it's time to think holiday shopping right now. Literally, before we know it, it will be Hanukah and then Christmas, and we all have those long gift lists to consider. So here is a great suggestion --- make shopping quicker, easier and more pleasant this year by shopping right here in Great Neck.

Year-round, it is always your best bet to shop in town, but particularly during busy shopping times the local stores can be your gift to yourself. Why travel distances and contend with traffic? Why rush from mall to mall, from town to town? Why put up with shop owners and sales people who are too busy to take time with you? Why deal with strangers anyway?

If you shop right here at home in Great Neck you can enjoy marvelous selections of just about every type of gift for everyone on your list, all presented in a friendly, real home town atmosphere by merchants who actually do know you and your family. What a treat to be out selecting a sweater for your sister and have the luxury of a salesperson who suggests a blouse instead; she knew my sister had already purchased that sweater.

And if your children want to go out to buy their own holiday gifts, certainly you can feel quite secure letting them shop in town. I remember that it was quite a thrill for my own daughters when they were first allowed to ''shop in town'' with friends. Even though I was always known as quite an over-protective mom, I knew they were safe in Great Neck shops and I was comfortable with their little expeditions.

So do make holiday shopping more fun this year. Shop in Great Neck! (P.S. Shopping in town also boosts the local economy, maintains a thriving downtown for our community, and helps keep Great Neck a popular, and valuable, place to live and work.)

Happy shopping!