As a first-time Mom, the holidays have taken on new meaning for me. Everything is my son's first-time experience, and I want these moments with him to be very special even though the only memories he will have are from my perspective and the photos I share with him as he gets older. There is something very precious about the moments we share with those closest to us that pales compared to anything else.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” But what does that phrase even mean? How can one child, born in a stable, change the entire trajectory of our world? With Christmas just weeks away, let’s dive deeper into the reason for the season and not focus on the gift-giving, the delicious family dinner, and the festive decor. Instead, let’s find gratitude in the birth of our Lord and Savior and His selflessness to lay aside his heavenly glory so that he might be born in human likeness.

Here we are. Ready or not. We’re in the holiday season. We celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago and officially began the Christmas shopping season. It’s not a secret; I LOVE Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. After all, what's not to love? It's a day of great food, family, and low stress (compared to some holidays). No presents to buy or fancy decorations. Not a zillion parties or events to attend. Instead, it's a day of turkey, yummy pie, and people you like (mostly). It’s also my favorite holiday because it revolves around a few of my favorite words – grateful, blessings, contentment, and thankfulness.