Perhaps my circumstances are different, but I do know that a good many of you are in the same situations. Because I have physical limitations, and quilting is my fun and escape and stress relief, I refuse to let it become stress laden by adding deadlines and due dates to any of my projects. There might be a special occasion that the quilt is for, but everyone knows that they will get it when it's done, and not one minute before, regardless of when the party, celebration or special event occurs. I don't earmark a quilt for Christmas or birthday. I only earmark it for this person or that. When it's done, they get it.
My friends and family are very understanding about this... not that they have much choice.. lol. It's the way I have to be to accomodate my life, so it's the way I am. Stress is bad for me; I won't add any that I can avoid.