For those of you who are counting, there are only 75 days left before Christmas.

And, as you know, those days will pass by quickly.

The current condition of the U.S. economy has many people concerned. While I confess that I am one of them, I do believe in the American economy and believe it will rebound. But it will take a lot of hard work and clear thinking on the part of all of us to bring the economy back to levels we have enjoyed.

During this rebuilding time it is a sure bet that we all will learn new ways to conserve and make our incomes go further. At least in the short term we will learn to spend less and get the most we can for the dollars we spend.

I mentioned the coming of Christmas in the opening paragraph because the downturn in the economy will have a direct impact on the amount of money spent during the gift-giving season. At least I believe it will in my household.

With 75 days left before Christmas, we all still have time to consider our Christmas budgets and alternative gifts that will show our love and appreciation but will not wreck our savings accounts. For example, a batch of cookies and/or a Christmas cake are always appreciated.

Items made by your own hands and given as gifts usually last long after the necktie you normally give as a gift is out of style. I know I still have items friends and relatives made and gave to me over the years but I don’t have a clue where one of the socks is I received as a gift last year.

I really do believe I’m on to a good idea here. Now all I have to do is convince my wife, children and grandchildren that it is the thought that counts and not the gift itself.

Wish me luck.

– Mike Kelley is the publisher of The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears on Sundays. He can be reached at mike.kelley@clantonadvertiser.com.