Building Christmas

First, a couple of shots of our Em. She's watched me take a few too many photos, because now she's apparently a budding photojournalist:

And another shot from that same evening, edited by our favorite Aunt Kerry:
And now on to the Emma Moment.

I confess I've allowed busy things to keep me from getting stuff done like I should. For example: I didn't get the Halloween decorations taken down right away. I was called on the carpet for it yesterday, while we had Preschool at our house. One little child looked up at my lighted spider and candy corn garland, and informed me that, "It isn't Halloween any more." I had to agree.

So at the top of today's list, was "take down Halloween decorations". Then, this morning, Emma came up to me and told me that Halloween is all done. (Yes.)

Then she said, "We need to build a Christmas."

I know she meant that she wants to get out the Christmas decorations now. And I probably won't get any peace until we've decorated the house.

But then, it struck me that it was a great way to look at it. Christmas doesn't just happen on its own. And we are not the victims of a Christmas freight train that runs us down.... although it might feel that way sometimes. Instead, we need to build a Christmas.

We need to build the memories, build the excitement, build the fellowship, build our testimonies. What are the steps we might use? What are the pieces we'll need? What will we do first -- and then what will we follow that up with?

How will you build your Christmas this year?