The times, they are a-hurting.

A troubling survey released last week found many Pennsylvanians wincing as they admit the unrelenting recession has hit where it hurts: Smack in the middle of their thinning household budget.

But will it make for a "Bah-humbug" Christmas?

"My husband is self-employed so we are in a constant state of worry," said Cindy Horstmann, 45, of Brentwood, about the report and the looming holidays.

According to the Siena Research Institute at Siena College in New York, more than 70 percent of residents in the 625 households polled across the state said that the cost of food is of particular concern. Some 59 percent said gasoline prices also keep them up at night. About 80 percent of those polled said they are already worried about this winter's heating bills.

We asked some residents of the South Hills if their family situation reflects such dismal findings. And, if so, how are they making ends meet? Will weak finances dampen their Christmas spirit -- and their shopping list?

Mrs. Horstmann, as most we talked to, said the price of gas and food concern them year-round; holiday gift-buying only adds to the pressure.

"Food and fuel costs affect my husband's [home improvement business], and while we are comfortable, there's always financial concerns," Mrs. Horstmann said.

A student at Bidwell Training Center, Mrs. Horstmann called herself "frugal and selective" and said that her family is considering a grab bag this Christmas to reduce costs.

Retiree Elinor Evans, 79, of Whitehall, planned ahead and knows her limits.

"I have a Christmas club account. When it's done, I'm done," Mrs. Evans said.

Still, she said, the cost of food is a concern every day. "You go to the store and it's ridiculous the [bill] you come out with."

Retiree Kathleen Coates feels the pinch of food, too.

"Food is the biggest concern and this and the whole economy thing will affect my Christmas plans. Gift buying is a loss of income," said Mrs. Coates, 78, of Whitehall.

Brandon Poremski, of Upper St. Clair, is only 23 but already wise to ways of economizing.

"I feel the affects of the economy mostly in gas. It takes $80 to fill my truck tank, so I use a fuel perks program," said Mr. Poremski, a plumber's apprentice. "This Christmas, I'll buy in smaller amounts for everyone. I've been laid off for about the last three months."

Cindy Rack, 51, of Bethel Park, says that "the price of food affects us every day -- not just Christmas."

Mrs. Rack said her family focuses on "the spiritual side of Christmas and enjoying friends and family, rather than gift-giving."

The Anderson family of Dormont is going to Disney World for Christmas, and that is gift enough, Rob Anderson said.

"We won't have a lot more at home; we would have had gifts, if we didn't go on the trip," said Mr. Anderson, 41, who works in the mental health field.

"Food costs are increasing, but we paid attention to how we spent our money, even before the recession."

Another concern: "Health insurance costs are going up --but that's after Christmas," Mr. Anderson said.

Some things can't be cut back, reminded homemaker Amy Heller, 52, of Upper St. Clair, whose husband just lost his job.

"As far as gasoline costs go, they are the biggest necessity in our life," she said, "and it's out of our control. It's something we haven't been able to cut back on. We wait to fill our tanks to use our fuel perks.

"We have definitely cut down on the way we spend on groceries. We buy store brands, using coupons as often as possible. We do not buy unnecessary food and we cut our thermostat back to 66 F."

Gina Janaszek, 43, of Castle Shannon, is one who has not been affected by the continuing recession. In fact, to some degree, it has helped her.

"In my business, [direct sales for home decor] I feel no effects of the recession," she said, "because people are staying home and making homes their priority.

"I'm still buying gifts, but I'm clipping coupons and I've never done that before. And, we're spending more time together as a family and eating at home more," she said.

It's "fear of the unknown, in other words, how bad it can get" that worries Traci Saber, 49, of Mt. Lebanon.

"These days I'm concerned about gas and food costs, outrageous," Mrs. Saber said.

Still she may have the answer to happy holidays -- and a satisfied life.

"I was convinced years ago to live within God's principles of managing his resources. There's always been a budget for that," she said.

For more on the Siena study, visit www.post-gazette.com, go to the search box and type in Siena College.

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