Christmas Week Countdown

With only three shopping days left until Christmas, it's time to finish off all of those last-minute tasks that need to be completed to create the perfect celebration for your family and friends. Even the worst procrastinators can still finish shopping and wrapping, order food, and make themselves shine with time to spare, with the help of some local businesses.

Last minute gift ideas:

No parking required when you call and place your last-minute gift orders. They will have your spa gift cards or Aveda gift sets wrapped and ready to go and they offer curbside delivery. They are open today until 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday until 8 p.m. and Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. Check out thefor some suggestions and then call 631-351-1555 to place your order.

For the parent or grandparent who has everything, how about a gift certificate for a family, children's or pet portrait from . Call 631-835-8792 to purchase.

 is offering $20 off the purchase of a $100 gift certificate if you order from the website. Use the coupon code "holiday10".

One Stop Shopping:

has lots of great gifts aside from chocolates, including toys for kids. They have late hours this week, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and they will also do the wrapping for you. There is still time to buy a $5 raffle to win "Chocolate Moose" a giant stuffed moose, valued at $600, which includes a box of chocolate mousse chocolates. The winner will be picked on Thursday night. 

If you've got an art enthusiast on your gift list,offers gift certificates for art classes, framing and artwork. Gift baskets filled with art supplies are also available. At the same time, you can order holiday cookie platters from Stone Ridge Farm Baking Company. Cookies are baked fresh to order and include chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter chocolate chip, chocolate dipped shortbread and assorted biscotti. Orders placed by 2 pm on Wednesday will be filled by Christmas Eve. 

If you're trying to figure out how to split your day between your hair appointment and your holiday shopping, why not combine them with a visit to Orpheus Salon and Spa. Pick up some last minute gifts at ELAN, a boutique located on the salon's main level. With items including jewelry, handbags and accessories, children's clothing and small items for stocking stuffers, you can cross quite a few names off the list and get your gifts beautifully wrapped for free. There are also the expected items like hair dryers and flat irons plus gift certificates for salon or spa services. You can even get a little snack in with free food and wine for their shoppers all week.

Bring Dessert:

 If you're lucky enough to be an invited guest and the only request is that you bring dessert, this is the time to go all out and impress. Huntington has some amazing bakeries to choose from, each with its own menu of delicious specialties.  

is the place to go for cakes that are works of art, including a flourless chocolate cake, Italian cheesecake and all kinds of pastries, cookies and chocolates. If you're really in a rush, gold holiday sleighs filled with a variety of treats are ready to grab and go

 has traditional holiday cookies made from old world European recipes. Holiday cookies include gingerbread men, spekulatius, springerle, pfeffernusse, anise drops and spitzkuchen. Other specials include marzipan stollen and trays of German butter cookies.

Keeping it Healthy

There's no need to give up a delicious holiday feast with so many healthy choices to choose from. The Green Market specializes in wholesome food, including raw, gluten-free and vegan desserts. They use mostly organic ingredients, depending on availability and never use refined flowers or sugars.  Many of their dinner sides might sound familiar - like green bean casserole or candied ginger carrots - but they are made with healthful ingredients and not calorie laden like many traditional sides. They can customize menus to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, people with food allergies and people that just want to eat healthy gourmet food.  

offers gluten-free sweets that will make you feel good about choosing something healthy for your hosts to serve. Choose from cookies and brownies, cupcakes, pies, fruit turnovers and specialty cakes.