With so many people out of work or looking for ways to cut expenses, now is a good time to dread Christmas, oops, I meant to say think about Christmas.

It IS possible to redirect your family’s expectations, give your friends some terrific presents, focus on the meaningful part of the season AND keep a few bucks in your bank account.

A pretty tall order, but here are some good places to start:

-Begin with your friends. Let ‘em know you are thankful for them. This does not have to be expensive, just heart-felt.

-Next, change the “rules” with your family. Explain graciously that you will be doing something thoughtful and SMALL this year due to the economy. It is a great excuse to start new “traditions” that focus on family instead of stuff.

Practically speaking, here are some gift ideas that will take the pressure off your budget.

-Pies. Pecan pies are simple and relatively inexpensive to make; my mom’s recipe is the best in the world. Cheese balls are also welcome this time of year when everyone is having company.

- Put the emphasis on the intangible, like time spent together, instead of the tangible. Take a friend to lunch. Give tickets to an event for your grandkids and then enjoy the anticipation. Plan a weekend away with mom or dad. Give tickets to a movie.

-Christmas tree ornaments. One of my friends gave us a family picture framed in a Mason jar lid twenty years ago. It gets better every year.

-Give a donation in their honor. I know some people resent this kind of gift, but there is sure to be a sophisticated donor on your list who will “get it.” Ministries will mail a card to your honoree informing them of the gift.

Donations are my favorite kind of gift mainly because they do not have to be dusted.

Last Christmas, my sisters’ kids gave everybody in our family “an animal” through a ministry that provides water wells and livestock to communities in Africa. Each box contained a picture of an animal; it was hilarious hearing why they decided to match each person with their animal. Mine was a cow. Enough said.

Giving to a non-profit gives hope and comfort to those who are less fortunate. Sharing reminds us of what we DO have, taking our mind off how tight our budget is gonna be.

Giving thoughtfully takes the dread out of the holidays and keeps money in the bank.

Now that’s a good way to start the holidays.

Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives and writes with a Texas twang. Comments are invited at http://checklistcharlie.blogspot.com.