I have come to the realization that if I'm going to give hand crafted items for Christmas, I have to start in the spring, NOT 6 weeks before the big day!!  LOL  I did get the Mario done, all of the tea towels finished even with the extra reinforcement around the Aida, 2 cute little owls embroidered for two of the granddaughters, and have started a little rocket for their brother. My finger is so sore, I have a metal thimble that belonged to my granny, but I just can't get used to wearing one. I thought maybe one of the leather finger tips might be the solution, but for right now, I guess I'll just use a small band-aid.  This is the pattern for the rocket.

These are the owls, just simple embroidery back stitch, in their favorite (at the moment) colors.  Have to press and frame them yet.