Erin Bates is not afraid to admit that the year 2025 changed her - and the holiday season - after she nearly died during childbirth. "After a year that stretches us deeply, this Christmas feels different - overflowing with gratitude for Jesus coming to earth to be humbly born in a manger," Bates, 34, wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 26, alongside a video of her family gathered around her as she played piano with her infant strapped to her chest. "He is the greatest gift of all!" she continued in the caption. "Merry Christmas from the Paine Family.