Christmas Eve is ten days away (with two weekends to go). It’s crafting gut-check time. If you are planning to make any decorations or gifts and the crafting isn’t done yet, you need to take an honest look at what is possible.

Now, if you plan to bake and share cookies, you only need to have a 3-4 hour bloc of time available. That’s absolutely doable. If you plan to needlepoint a pillow and you haven’t started yet and you have to work from now until Christmas, it’s not too likely that you will finish.

Be realistic. Pulling a series of all-nighters to finish crafts will not lead to an enjoyable holiday or to a relaxed and merry you.

If you aren’t going to finish, you have two options. First, you can tell the recipient that you are making something and it isn’t done yet. Then you finish as you can and exchange gifts when you are done. Alternatively, you still have time to find something else to give. You know which of those options will work best for you.

And next year, plan extra time for crafting so you aren’t caught short again!