Christmas is ten days away. It’s time to make decisions about any crafts you have planned:

• Do you really have time to complete the projects without pulling 10 all-nighters?
• Do you have sufficient blocks of time set apart for crafting?
• Do these blocks allow things to dry, set, etc.?
• Do you have all the supplies at hand or are you counting on being able to find what you need?

Based on your answers to these questions, it’s time to fish or cut bait.

Similarly, if you haven't been following the countdown, you may be facing a lot (too much) 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. Do only 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.