Autumn way better than One Direction tix

When I think back on the 23 Christmases I've experienced, so many memories flood my mind.

To name a few, the EZ Bake Oven I got from Santa when I was 7, I think? Maybe I was 8.

Also, the acoustic guitar when I was 16 is up on the list as well.

And of course, when I was 13, my oldest sister Lauren told us she was having a baby by having me open a box that had a pacifier in it as the clue. I, however, really thought I was getting One Direction tickets that year and truly thought the announcement of my first nephew was going to be those tickets.

I was still pretty ecstatic to find out about him, though. He's now 10 years old, which is crazy to me.

So many other gifts come to mind, along with Christmas lights touring, Christmas eve services, amazing food, and friends and family that I don't get to see very often.

Every Christmas is a special one, but I'd have to say my best Christmas is this year.

Why, you might ask? Because this year is my first year to experience Christmas as a mom.

Receiving the blessing of my baby girl, Autumn, this year has completely shined a light on my perception of this holiday.

I cannot comprehend someone loving my child more than me, but God does. I cannot comprehend being loved so incredibly for someone to have their child, only to let them go and offer them as a sacrifice. But God did.

What an unimaginable yet beautiful gift to the world.

I'm so excited for the Christmases to come, because I'm sure as she gets older, each one will top the last and the magic of this holiday will become more real.

I pray each of you reading this has a wonderful and blessed Christmas spent with those you love most.