In this family, we wrap up unfinished projects. Then they know you were trying.... Last year, my daughter made a necklace with tiny wooden spools of thread, quilting charms, and beads for me. The clasps weren't on yet, because she wanted to make sure on length before tying the ribbons on. Afterwards, I kept asking, where's my necklace. She finally went at it in November, so I could wear it to my November quilting group.
I've got a Santa cross stitch that isn't going to be finished by the 25th. I'm not even going to feel bad. This is for the son, who never gets any house projects done until his dad goes over to motivate him.
Of course, I always welcome a good deadline to be a great motivator.