What becomes of the local economy if we do not support it? Well, as a friend of Santa and a -former elf (I took pictures of children in various states of hysteria back in the early 1970s just after I graduated, while waiting to go to New York), I can say with some -confidence that the man in red would like us to buy locally.

We have just come out of an election -during which there was much talk about job -creating and saving small businesses, so what better time to hit the bricks and do our bit?

There are tons of things to buy right here in Aberdeen, Pinehurst and Southern Pines. They need not break the budget either. And why not buy American-made, or even handmade right here in North Carolina?

How about giving the gift of a series of haircuts to make someone feel -special? A gift -certificate for nail care or a facial can never be wrong. Heck, I even give such gifts to Darling Husband so he will go and be pampered, and he always loves it once he gets there. Massages pay dividends, let me tell you.

Get a gift certificate for a car wash or detailing, especially for someone who may not be up to the job themselves.

Restaurant gifts are always good. How about several -breakfasts at the Pine Crest, the Deli or any place you know the person you are giving can get to easily? I don't know anyone who doesn't like breakfast out now and again.

Tea, anyone? Lady Bedford's or the Resort is a lovely break, and not many of us think to take the quiet time with a chum to sit and sip and chat in a lovely setting, whiling away some time doing nothing but catching up and laughing our fool heads off.

Laughter might be what you need, and the Woman's Exchange gals can make you laugh even if you are sitting by -yourself, but give the gift of a couple of lunches there, or gift certificates for that divine chili, and the recipient will love you for the whole year!

Does somebody you know deserve some -pampering? How about a cleaning lady to come in and do the place from top to -bottom? OK, maybe not every month for a year - but boy, just once can make you feel like your world is in order.

We are blessed with -terrific restaurants too numerous to list them all, but Rhett's, Wolcott's, 195, Pine Crest Inn, Chef Warren's, Ashten's, Betsy's Crepes and more and more - give a lunch for two or dinner if you are flush. That is a treat to savor.

Shops with pottery and crafts made here, in the U.S., knitters who make beautiful socks or more elaborate things. Just ask at Bella Filati in Southern Pines; they can hook you up! Give a series of -classes for that person who always says they would like to learn but never does it.

Do you have a -computer guru you like and trust? Give the gift of an hour or two to help someone when they need it. They may need to learn a skill or have some glitch fixed.

We are blessed with a great community college. Is there a course your best buddy always says they want to take? Why not give it to them?

Give a gift certificate from our great florists for that day when your friend wants to dress up the table or feels a little low.

Give a packet of Sunrise tickets or a series to the opera or the Classical Concert Series from the Arts Council.

Books from The Country Bookshop are always welcome.

If money is really tight, give a book of things you can do: rub a loved one's feet, massage shoulders, rake their lawn, drive them somewhere they need to go, bake a cake when they need one.

I have nothing against China or India. They are doing what we as a nation once did, building their industries and raising up their people. After all, it is our corporations who are sending the work there.

But why not keep more money right here? Buy things made here by folks who live here.

Take a step back from that Christmas fiscal cliff by keeping to your -budget and keeping our dollars more local. Let's help the economy in a way we really can.

Right here, the way Santa might really want us to. He is making his list!

Joyce Reehling lives in Pinehurst. She retired here from New York after a 33-year career in theater, TV and -commercials.