Are there really only 5 more paydays until Christmas?

So I've been thinking about the economy and how much money people don't have and how often everyone is complaining about it. But really, can't we all just simplify? I've been looking all over for ways to do just this. I found a recipe to make my own laundry soap, and yes, I'm really gonna try it. It's so easy, and I figure it's about $3 to do 16 loads of laundry. Not too bad. And I'm praying for really clean clothes. By all accounts of other bloggers, they are the cleanest clothes they have yet to have. And I've also found a great pattern for some inexpensive homemade gifts for the holiday's. Homemade says I care more, not that I'm cheap, at least that is what it always used to mean when I was growing up. There is no reason why everyone has to go into the hole paying months off of debt just to see a few smiles on Christmas morning. I would say that the best gift I could have is waking up to a nice breakfast and seeing my kids in their new P.J.'s, and laughing at each other opening up the lame pair of socks they give each other. Those are the best traditions.