I'm so bumed! I need two more weeks to get my sewing and embroidery done. Am I alone? I'm running out of time. I should be sewing but I have a stress headache....

Look after yourself first. Seems you're doing way too much. I'm sure your friends and family would rather have a healthy you than a gift, on time or not. I like to think we're all stretching Christmas feelings through the whole year anyway, as we're always doing things for others. I hope your brain-ache is feeling better after a good rest.

No dear you are not alone in that issue. I ran out of time as my dear husband moved or vacation leave date up from this coming Thursday to yesterday afternoon over a matter of days. Fist it was \Thursday, then Wednesday and each day it changed as it got closer. The next thing I knew I walked into the shop and he asked if I was ready to leave today. That was Saturday, lol! Good thing I got the important ones done first and was working on surprises for those who did not know they where coming. I got some done, but not all the ones I wanted to get done. Oh well. Next year I will start much earlier maybe even get more things done this winter that I can store and use for next year.

I got so far behind this year, with hubby's surgery and now daily radiation treatments. I finished gifts for the most important ones, my gd's. Threw up my hands and "oh well, next year will be better"! Hugs..Carol

You're not alone!!! Knowing what we'd like to do and knowing what we can do are two different things. Knowing what we can do and knowing what we have time to do are another two different things.
My problem is seeing more and more beautiful designs, new techniques and new projects every day and not getting on with what I have.
This is the main reason I am forming my Christmas Club on January 1, 2012, so that all members (that's me) will be ready in time for next Christmas.

I rather like the 'Orthodox Christmas' idea..... :}
AlmaG.

Ah, I know the feeling quite well. I was doing fine until my sister, who's a new Grandma as of November 23, asked me yesterday to make the baby a Christmas stocking. Now, I'm really late in getting his quilt done and what Christmas ornament for this year for the clan? Ha! I started right after Christmas last year and there's still not enough time. What fun I'm having! LOL Hang in there! And, don't hesitate to give a card saying the gift is coming on Orthodox Christmas this year! LOL Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Sandra

I agree with the others who answered your question. Learn to say no, and take breaks. Even if it to step outside and breathe. By all means, don't forget to eat!

Hugs, Bonnie

I so well know the feeling! I learned quite some years ago that I CAUSE my own stress by not saying no (wanting to please everyone). Learning to say that simple word has helped me tremendously, and found that it wasn't offensive to anyone. "I would truly like to do that for you, but I have too much ongoing at this time." Creating handmade items, sewing, or embroidery, takes a LOT of time, that most do not comprehend or appreciate. As to stitching for friends and family, I do the best I can in making gifts for holidays or special occasions, but choose not to let it upset me, should I not get them finished on time. That just slows me down in completion, and weights me emotionally, so at the last minute I may get a store purchased "thought" gift, and tell them I have something special in the making for them, but not quite finished with it!
I suppose one can tell I do not let much get me stressed! Prioritize, and don't sweat the "small" things! (Actually, most things we stress over ARE small things! Hang in there; all will work out fine!
Hugs,
Angel

Make some tea, sit back and just relax. Walk around the house or outside for even a few minutes.

Take a deep breath, have a break and then you will feel refreshed