One of my favorite holiday shows is A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s such a great, simple message of how his small tree was transformed into something beautiful.

In that spirit, what does it take to live simply? Having money left over after you pay each month’s bills will accomplish one phase of this task. You and your family do have to give up on some luxuries but not ­everything.

Let’s start by using the envelope ­system. Lots of families use cash for all of their purchases. Write things like “groceries,” ­“entertainment,” “clothing,” “gas” and ­“miscellaneous” on the envelopes and then put in the amount of cash that you have ­budgeted for the month.

When the cash runs out, you will have to get creative.

Instead of going to the movies, check out the free DVDs at the library.

If you look in your pantry, I’m sure you will find plenty of ingredients to make a nice dinner.

With Goodwill, the Salvation Army and plenty of consignment stores, clothing is one expense where you can easily get high-end products for low prices.

It is hard to find gas deals, but do sign up for any rewards programs that gas stations offer to give you at least 3 cents off each ­gallon. It doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up.

Taking these baby steps will allow you to see where your money actually is going. The next step is deciding what you can go without. ­Living a life of necessity can range from going without that Coach ­handbag to growing your own food.

I tell people that all of this can’t happen fast. But slowly ­moving toward a goal can be rewarding and give you a sense of accomplishment.

This summer, grow a little container garden if you don’t want to start big. The Arboretum on Alumni Drive teaches classes on the basics of gardening. Check out its free or low-cost classes available every month at www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum or call (859) 257-9339 for more information.

Living simply also can involve ­taking just one item you don’t use anymore and ­repurposing it. Last year, I took my used plastic coffee cans and wrapped ­Christmas tree lights around them to make it a snap to put lights on the tree this year. Imagine how much you can save by washing out your plastic containers and using them to store other items.

One of my favorite Web sites is Freecycle.org. Many cities, including Lexington, have chapters that make it a snap to give and ­receive items for free. I have received ­beautiful garden decorations from a woman moving to Florida and given barn boards to Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge in Nicholasville. Don’t ever think no one would want something. After all, you were the one to have it first.

There is no right way to live the simple lifestyle, but taking these first steps will start ­building lasting habits. That first taste of the simple life might be a little sour, but ­eventually it will become a fulfilling feast.

Good deals and offers

■ Read to Succeed is a free educational program sponsored by Six Flags to engage children in grades K through 6. Students who complete six hours of recreational, non-school-related reading are eligible to earn a free admission ticket to a participating Six Flags theme park.

■ Many of the products you purchase every day have a label on the box or can that says Box Top for Education. Many schools use this program to buy supplies. Sign up online to find a participating school in your area. Call the school to ask for information on its collection procedures.

■ ThredUP is a new Web site that will send you free boxes or bags so you can de-clutter your house of your child’s outgrown items and receive money for doing so.

■ Text FUN to 727272 each day for a rental discount at Redbox and a chance to win a gift. Good until Dec. 24. If you haven’t used promotional code DVDONME, use it to get a free rental.

■ Get your own personalized Christmas song when you register at Instasong.com.

■ Get a free Going in Circles Portrait Collage from Pictureme studios, located at Wal-Mart.

■ Get a free Stella Artois Chalice when you call 1-800-692-4254.