ONE MONTH ‘TIL CHRISTMAS?!?!

One look at the date on this newspaper will serve as a reminder: It is less than a month until Christmas. The economy being what it is, most people have already been tightening their (financial) belts for months, and many folks people may be realizing with alarm that they have not yet made much of a dent in their shopping list. The 2009 gift-giving season is certainly going to challenge us to more prudent giftgiving -- and, hey -- that's not a bad thing.

A Fox News radio broadcast on Monday morning gave listeners a chance to share ideas of how they are facing this challenge. A large number stated that they are hitting garage sales and wrapping up Christmas for their kids at a fraction of the price they would have to pay for new items. Resale shops offer similar bargains. Another caller stated that he is letting his family off the hook, telling them, "I really don't NEED another sweater/ jacket/tie/etc." When his wife insisted on a gift suggestion, he admitted he needed a new skillet.

Thanksgiving is coming up and what better time to recognize all the blessings we already have, and make a pact with our family members to take it easy on gifts this Christmas. Everyone will probably be relieved to agree on small, practical gifts.

In one family I know and admire, the adults draw names at Thanksgiving and then everyone is expected to bring one hand-made gift at Christmas -- a craft, baked goods, a gift certificate for one yard-mowing, etc. They all save money, have a lot of laughs, and feel they have shared of themselves.

Another awesome idea I read about could be established this Christmas for NEXT year. A well-to-do older couple who had literally everything they could possibly need asked for the same gift from each of their children and grandchildren: perform a gift of service or support for a worthy cause or someone in need, and write it down. Those written accounts, some accompanied by photos, were compiled in a notebook and presented to the grandparents at Christmas. It has become an annual tradition in that family, and those notebooks are probably among their proudest possessions.