In keeping with the way I roll during the holiday season, I’ve waited until the last possible moment to write this column.

Procrastination is my middle name when it comes to Christmas, and of course, I’m not alone. There are hundreds of Islanders just like me, in a stare-down with the clock, wondering how in the world they are ever going to get those presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree.

Denying, delaying and never deciding are all part of the not-so-brightly wrapped package at this time of year.

I blame Santa. He’s Father Christmas, and look at the way he does it. It would make a whole lot more sense if he spaced out his deliveries all year long, but no, he’s timed it so there’s no other way except to fly all over the world on Christmas Eve, bringing bales of toys in the middle of the night to every single house on earth. Many of which are locked, so he actually has to shimmy down chimneys, for crying out loud.

So the drama. And everyone knows the weather is wretched this time of year, and air travel is such a risk. Santa is pretty darned lucky that Rudolph ever agreed to help him, after all those years of being bullied. I would have just said no.

But if Santa can pull the rabbit out of his hat ever year, I figure you and I can too. And I know just the way to do it.

Shop locally.

Let’s face it. You’ve run out of time to go off-Island, and why would you want to?

Vashon’s merchants are waiting for you, and you can get better, more reasonably priced gifts here than off-Island, and you won’t have to wait in a ferry line.

Start in Burton, and visit every shop, gallery and restaurant that is open for business in that charming little village, and then head north on the highway. Swing over to Maury and buy golf gear at the country club.

You’ll have to stop by Granny’s Attic to pick up those sure-to-please Christmas coffee mugs.

At the Country Store and Gardens, get some Maury Island Farm jams and thick wool socks to stuff inside the Christmas stockings, just in case this is the year that Santa finally hits the wall and doesn’t make it.

When you get to Center, you’ll find art, freshly roasted coffee and places to get gift certificates for haircuts and tattoos. That corner is practically one-stop shopping for all the finest things in life.

Don’t forget to check out Vashon’s superb nurseries.

And when you hit the stoplight in town, find a place to park your car, get out and get serious.

Vashon has the finest gift shops on Earth and a world-class music store. There’s a video store, an old-fashioned pharmacy, two bookstores, a place to get photos developed and a place to get them framed, office supplies, an auto parts store, a flower shop, a furniture emporium, clothing stores, bakeries, vintage shops, hardware stores, a pet supplies depot, a lovely quilt shop, galleries, art studios, places to buy birdseed and bicycles, two grocery stores, wineries and even a liquor store, for heaven’s sake.

Some people are perfectly happy just to get a bottle of booze for Christmas. (Hint, hint.)

People also love to get gift certificates. If you’re looking for those, you’re in luck, because we have a movie theater, dance and yoga studios, a health club, day spas, massage and beauty salons, wonderful restaurants, coffee, tea and juice shops, great farm stands and espresso stops, bed and breakfast getaways, two computer shops and even a place to get your tarot cards read.

And finally, for those of you with deep pockets, there’s the greatest gift of all — Vashon real estate.

You know it and I know it — in these tough financial times, it’s downright Grinchy to shop off-Island. Stay at home, and you’ll not only get all your shopping done, but you’ll also give the gift of a brighter economy to your own small town.

You’ll be so glad you waited until the last minute that you’ll probably do it again next year.

— Elizabeth Shepherd is The Beachcomber’s arts editor.