Christmas is one week away. That means it's crunch time. If you've been following the Elf Christmas Countdown, you are just about ready to celebrate. All you have to do is to wrap a few last gifts, bake a last little bit (especially the cookies that won't survive until Christmas if you don't make them last minute!), set out the clothes you plan to wear on Christmas, and prepare your holiday meals. But, if you haven't been following the countdown, you may be facing a lot to do. Here are your steps:

• Pledge that next year you will follow the Elf Christmas Countdown faithfully and with great care!
• Make a list of everything you need to do. 
• Now cross out everything that isn't essential. What's essential will vary from person to person, but be brutal. You don't need to buy a gift for someone you won't see until New Year's Day brunch. You may not need to decorate or to bake 5 kinds of cookies. Only do those things that are deeply meaningful to you and your loved ones.
• Only do the tried and true. Last minute is not a good time to learn a new skill.
• Share the load. Recruit family and friends to do parts of tasks. Dividing and conquering means that one person can mix cookie dough while another puts up the outdoor lights and a third wraps gifts.
• Don't skip sleep and meals to make "Christmas" happen. You know what? It's going to happen whether or not you have a hand beaded star on your tree. Bringing your best self to the celebration is the most important thing. So take a deep breath and get started.

(If you have followed the Countdown, have another cup of cocoa. Or perhaps some mulled wine.)