For one half hour, every night, we faithfully watch the “nightly news.” To hear more news than that, would be overload, but we like to keep up with major events happening in the U.S. and around the world, so 30 minutes is a sufficient dose.

Lately, on a daily basis, we have been hearing about the economy and the Dow Jones’ averages and Bull markets or lack thereof. All of these Wall Street reports have seemed distant (to us). Perhaps that is because New England has not been the hardest hit area, so far, or so it has seemed. In New Hampshire, most of us have barely noticed the recession, until we think about it.

Case in point, yesterday, we walked into a national chain store and were unprepared to see totally empty shelves in a good part of the store and the yellow caution tape that cordoned off areas not to be entered. A sign revealed that our local “Linen ‘n Things” is going out of business. Not finding what we wanted, we went into the mall across the way. Hardly anyone was shopping, and there were deep discounts for those who were willing to spend their dollars there.

At this time of year, our mailboxes are usually bulging with company catalogs, but not this Christmas season. The mailman’s pack is much lighter, and the ads that have come in are not the usual thick, lush catalogs; they are thin, and sent once, not a zillion times. The cost of paper has skyrocketed, and so has ink, making the electronic transmission of information seem more and more like a less risky alternative for presentation of ads, and with a far greater effect.

This all feels as though we are entering another age. The economic experts state that we have been in a recession for a year now, and that the common folk are just catching on to the idea. There has been a trickle down effect, with the giants in industry having been the first to notice. Today, “the little guys” live from paycheck to paycheck, wondering if their job will be the next one cut, with hardly a moment’s notice.

While all of this is scary, it is making everyone take a closer look at how we all spend (or save) money, and that is not such a bad thing. The official advice is to pay off credit card bills, if you can, downsize your lifestyle (smaller car, etc.), and save money in an account you never touch, in an amount that equals six to eight months of your income, should your paychecks stop. All this is easier said than done for most people, but these are goals that we can begin to implement, over time.

Mainly, learning to live a more self-sufficient life can be its own reward. The smell of homemade bread baking is a wonderful experience, even if it is in a bread maker, and not made from “scratch.” Homemade soups and casseroles that can be heated up again quickly for a repeat meal, without too much fuss, are a wonderful help in this busy season. In addition, plan your errands so that you can logically move from one geographical site to another, in a manner that saves miles (and gasoline). So much of this is just common sense, but you’d be amazed at how the “little things” can add up to a less costly and more satisfying life.

If you have the time and the know-how, homemade gifts are a lovely idea. A knitted cap, stuffed animals that are sewn, a quilt for a doll bed, or a doll bed itself, homemade socks, or homemade fudge or cookies, will be much appreciated. Used book stores often have books for children that are in “as new” condition. Don’t overlook places like Goodwill, or the Salvation Army store. Sometimes an unwanted item can be a “treasure.” In some cases, valuable quilts have been found there.

In whatever manner you celebrate the holidays, there are things you can do to make them fun. Decorate your table, even if the new tablecloth or table mats are ones you have made yourself.

Think of the “old days,” when popcorn and cranberries, or linked chains of paper were used to trim the tree.

Why am I saying all of this? I guess I just want to remind people that it is not always expensive gifts that make holidays happy. Time spent with loved ones is one of the keys. Hearing from friends or seeing them is another joy of the season. If we all dwell on our losses, (and who doesn’t have adversity), or if we linger over what we don’t have, we are bound to be miserable. However, keeping the true meaning of the season in mind, our hearts will be lifted, and we will be able to share Joy with others. Giving a gift to someone else always makes the giver feel happier. For now, forget the dire news of the economic prognosticators, and just enjoy the season, with good measure.

“Be of good cheer, Charlie Brown.”

Patricia Cummings, author of