All year long I’ve been trying to rid myself of excess stuff. I bought a Kindle version of the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and read every page (this allowed me to be virtuous, since I now own the book, but it never takes up space). One of the most powerful tips of the book, was a simple test: hold something in your hand. If it brings you joy, keep it. If it doesn’t bring you joy, give it away. This has been a powerful test for me. It has allowed me to let go of silly things like non-senior year yearbooks from high school and college, as well as old ceramic mugs purchased on my high school senior trip. Seriously, I did not even remember that I owned these things until I discovered them in a box downstairs. Into the donation pile they went.
When it comes to old crafts, however, things get a bit fuzzy. About 25 years ago, my oldest sister introduced me to counted cross stitch. I was never very good at it, but I purchased tons of threads and kits, but only finished a few.
Given my Christmas obsession, it’s not hard to believe that the only finished counted cross stitch projects I have are both with Christmas themes. Well, I shouldn’t really say finished because neither project is framed. 
These are rattling around my sewing room and I move them frequently. Do they bring me enough joy that I should finally get them framed and insert them into my life? Or should I let them go — donate them and let someone else find joy when they hold them?
Tougher question: what should I do about this half-finished project?
This lovely Amish home scene, complete with yummy quilts, calls to me. But I want to make quilts, not cross stitch them. Should it go in the donate pile? Or should I force myself to finish it? Am I failure if I donate it?