When I talk to friends here in Portland, in other parts of Oregon and throughout the Northwest, I'm hearing stories unlike any I've heard for a long time. People are worried about the economy, and many are uncertain about what the future holds for their families. They're also wondering, in light of reduced household budgets, how to infuse the holidays with the warmth and joy we all crave.

The theme in the air this season is simplicity, a return to old-fashioned values of hearth and home. We're urged to purchase fewer things. To make gifts ourselves. To shift our focus from gadgets to celebrations: a lively game or song, a roaring fire, a gathering with friends and family to savor a home-cooked meal. These are the timeless experiences that ground us in what's real: our human bonds and the essential goodness of being together.

To these excellent suggestions I will add one more: Let's all make a point of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Few will dispute the glow that brightens our hearts when we give to others. Seeing the pleasure on the face of a child opening a present is one way to savor the joy of giving. There are many others.

Here in Oregon and around the world, each of us has the power to make a profound positive difference in the life of someone who is up against hardship even more severe than our own. When everyone chips in, our collective generosity moves mountains.

It's paradoxical but true that in challenging times, such as Oregonians are facing now, we become even more mindful of the many blessings we enjoy. If we have health, enough food and education for our children, we are fortunate indeed.

As our many local nonprofits — some 26,000 are based in Oregon, and most of them are frugal, effective and worthy of our investment — face the extra challenge of raising funds to keep working through down budget cycles, consider making a contribution of any size. I promise you that the act of giving will warm and brighten your holiday season. May it bring you and yours comfort and cheer.