2014 Merry Moments!

Hi everyone,

Another holiday season has come to a close but that doesn't mean you can't keep spreading the cheer. Pay it forward all year long and continue to make people's day. The Merry Movement is about remembering what the holidays are really about and bringing a smile to someone's face.

This year we logged 189 MOMENTS. 

More than last year but still, not as many as the first year! Looking forward to next year's movement. 2015 feels like the start of something special.

Thank you for playing along for our fourth year! 

Day 24 - Christmas Eve! Last day to spread the cheer!

177. Filled candy machines with quarters for the next person.

178. Helped other travelers in the TSA inspection line at the airport.

179. Traded seats with someone so they could sit with their family members during our flight.

180. Offered my sweater as a cover up to the girl sitting next to me on the plane when her pants split.

181. Offered my spot in a very long line to an elderly gal while waiting for the restroom.

182. Helped another traveler with their luggage.

183. Smiled at everyone, held doors open for others, made an extra effort to wish every one that I came into contact with today a Merry Christmas.

184. Ran an errand for someone who was not feeling well.

185. Provided childcare for a friend so that she could attend a late night Christmas service.

186. Took coffee and snacks to the nurses at the local hospital

187. Bought gifts for a family who lost everything in a fire.

188. Placed wreaths on the headstones at the vet cemetery.

189. Shared my food with someone who didn't have lunch.

Day 23 - One final push to spread the love!

174. Made Christmas CDs and put them on stranger's cars while they shopped.

175. Walked into Panera Bread and gave a customer a gift card that I have had for two years and never used.

176. Made a point to smile at everyone I encountered and wished all the cashiers happy holidays while Christmas shopping.

Day 22- A few more days!

168. Decorated an outdoor tree with edible decorations for our four-legged and feathered friends.

169. Bought a coffee for a person who has been spreading more holiday cheer than anyone I know.

170. Left a full punch card at Dutch Bros for the person behind me.

171. I won a gift card at our holiday celebration today but decided that I would give it to someone who would actually enjoy it more than I would.

172/173. Bought TWO Christmas dinners for families of four.

Day 19, 20 & 21 - last full weekend...GO! Spread the love people!

152. Had an extra coupon in line and handed it to the woman behind me to use.

153. My little ones made holiday care packages for veterans.

154. I won a $50 gift card in a raffle to a local restaurant and I decided to surprise a customer and give it to them.

155. We gave candy canes to all of the cashiers that assisted us today while we were out running errands.

156. We made a monetary donation to a homeless pet fund which will help provide shelter and immunizations.

157. I gave an unexpected "just because" gift to someone who was having a rough day.

158. I took a cue from one of the "free" suggestions on the blog and held the door open for several strangers at every establishment I entered and exited today. Lots of smiles and "thank yous".

159. I helped another shopper get an item off a shelf that he wasn't able to reach. I noticed him struggling and no one else offered to help him, so I did.

160. While checking out at the grocery store the young lady behind us had several bottles of Gatorade piled up in her arms. She misjudged the conveyer belt and Gatorade went flying everywhere. We helped her chase down and pick up the rolling bottles and get them on the conveyer belt. We also offered to help her out to her car.

161. I helped coral stray shopping carts in the parking lot. It was pouring rain and there was only one employee out gathering them up. I thought he could use some help.

162. Bought gifts for a family whose Christmas gifts were stolen.

163. Surprised our neighbors with home baked goodies.

164. I volunteered my time this weekend to help someone get run their errands and get some of their projects done.

165. Purchased items that show support for a great organization and gave those items away to anyone who wanted to show their support too.

166. We gave candy canes to our servers at dinner tonight.

167. I just started a new job and my desk was pretty bare. A co-worker got super creative and surprised me by decorating my cubicle.

Day 18 - Happy Holidays!

141. I had coupons for items that I do not use. Instead of recycling them I offered them to people that purchase those items.

142. Left an "anonymous" box of Christmas treats for someone to make their day a little sweeter.

143. I took over some responsibilities for someone who has not been feeling well and feeling very overwhelmed. I made phone calls and completed errands for them.

144. My pharmacist has been known to go above and beyond on several occasions, including staying open later than usual just so I could pick up my medication. I wrote a note of gratitude and sent it with some homemade cookies.

145. Three of us brought in the fixin's for a breakfast burrito bar to share with coworkers.

146. Left a note and candy for my mail carrier.

147. Brought a treat to someone who was having a challenging week.

148. went out to dinner with a friend and bought her dinner too.

149. left one more coffee punch card for someone.

150. Received a merry moment by getting 1 lb of brisket at one of my favorite BBQ places for 1/2 the price.

151. Hosted a holiday dinner for some of my close friends and roommates.

Day 17 - There are lots of ways FREE ways to spread holiday cheer!

Hi everyone! You are all doing so great. So great that you have inspired me to get more creative with the last WEEK of the 2014 Merry Movement. Many people have been extremely generous this year and I wanted to think of some FREE ways to spread holiday cheer.

Here are my ideas (some are stolen from our fellow moment makers):

• Caroling (The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!)
• Clothing Donations (clean out your closet!)
• Leave a holiday note for your mail carrier, garbage man, landscaper etc. 
• Bag someone's groceries at the grocery store 
• Stand and hold the door for a dozen people (anywhere!)
• Clip coupons and leave them on the product for the next customer
• Donate your TIME to volunteer at the organization for your choice
• Give blood to the Red Cross
• Return cans/bottles for a deposit but give the voucher to someone to cash

134. I gave $20 "from Santa" to a teacher I know to buy two students school shirts so they can wear them on school pride day and not feel excluded.

135. A friend picked up things I bought at a store over the phone and delivered them to me so I didn't have to do it alone with my two baby girls.

136. My friend surprised me with coffee when she came to borrow my sewing machine.

137. Brought in holiday treats for my coworkers in a different department.

138. Brought cookies for my basketball team to have on the bus ride.

139. Gave a friend two custom made mugs because I knew she would enjoy them. 

140. Have a coke and a smile. Left quarters in the vending machine for the next person. 

Day 16 - Mele Kalikimaka!

123. This morning at the gas station there was only one attendant for several cars. I saw that she was working really hard and trying to get to everyone, and was starting to get flustered because other patrons weren't being patient with her. When she got done with my car, I gave her a candy cane and told her she did a great job, and to not let cranky people get to her. She had tears in her eyes and said "Thank you for being so kind".

124. Signed Christmas cards for shut-ins at a local church.

125. Donated blood at the Red Cross.

126. I gave Christmas treats to my barista.

127. When I went to the post office I noticed a young girl struggling with several boxes, trying to get them into the building. She put them down with the intent of making another trip. I carried them in for her. She was surprised and very grateful for the assistance.

128. Donated blood - one donation can save three lives!

129. Donated $400 to Special Olympics Oregon. Then, I happened to get a lot of pizza in return...double merry moment!

130. Made festive doorknob swags and left on a few neighbors doors.

131.Tipped 100% for my Great Clips hair cut.

132. Gave extra movie, popcorn and drink vouchers to a couple on a date at the movie theater.

133. Gifted an employee at Something Silver a Starbucks gift cards.

Day 15 - Happy Monday! Over half way!

It was a great weekend for merry moments and I hope we have just as good of a week!

119. The children and I wrapped presents, for the giving tree recipients, to be delivered today. We also wrapped books for the children of my coworkers. They have been signed "From: The Kindness Elves," and will be delivered today.

120.  Purchased a orange anise brioche for everyone in the kitchen.

121. This morning at 5:30am I tipped the barista, more than the cost of the coffee, hopefully gave her a little boost at the beginning of the day!

122. 3 bags of clothes donated to a local cold weather shelter.

Day 12, 13, 14 - Another big weekend for making merry moments!

91. Mailed several holiday cards to close friends to spread holiday cheer!

92. Sent a coffee e-giftcard to someone who needed a pick me up.

93. Gave a much needed (and unexpected gift to a friend).

94. Found out that a member of my community, who I don't personally know, had his Christmas tree stolen from his driveway last night. I sent him a message this morning offering to replace it.

95. Gave our delivery man a Christmas treat in addition to a generous tip.

96. Guys next to my house were bbqing for a company party - caterers. Gave em a 6 pack. 

97. Made a bunch of paper snowflakes with a plan to decorate but making them was the real merry moment and half the fun.

98. Today I swept out the bottom bays for the Home and Beauty Aids crew. Then I recycled cardboard for one of the crew from Photo Electronics.

99. I took a coworker to coffee for lunch, and will probably end up on Santa's naughty list for doing it. I had to take my lunch an hour late in order for the coffee shop to be open when we went. :)

100. Left a $20 Starbucks gift card for the next customer.

101. Treated family and friends to a hot holiday drink.

102. Made a donation to support a Christmas concert.

103. I purchased Jammie's and winter clothes for a little girl in need today.

104. I had a full coffee punch card and asked the barista to use it for the next person that came in :)

105. Shopped for some of the gifts for people on the work giving tree.

106. Today I filled up a plate lunch card from my favorite Hawaiian restaurant. Then, I gave my card away so the next person could get the free lunch.

107. My four-year-old daughter brought the umbrella from her drink home. She gave it to a bug that may want to stay dry.

108. My 19-year-old went to Panda's with his buddy. They passed a pregnant homeless woman on the street. He came home asking for dinner because he said, "I had to give her my food." :)

109. Helped a neighbor with some chores in his yard.

110. I surprised my wife by decorating our front window and porch with Christmas lights and decorations while she was out with a friend.

111. I left candy canes on random cars in the parking lot at the grocery store.

112.I have friends who each lost loved ones recently, so I took the time to send them each a note to let them know I was thinking about them and sending them love.

113.We found out that the neighbor's Christmas lights weren't working; his wife had been to several stores in town and wasn't able to find any replacement bulbs. We went through our lights and gave him several packs of our own bulbs.

114. I was the recipient of a very Merry Moment. Someone anonymously sent me crafting supplies. Thank you to whomever is responsible!

115. We mailed off a surprise "just because" gift to our friends.

116. We generously tipped our server at dinner even though service was a bit "off". We figured she was having a rough night and might need a reason to smile.

117. I surprised someone by running an errand for them since they didn't have time to take care of it themselves.

118. While out walking my dog I noticed that the neighbor's trash can had blown open and over; there was trash in the street and on the side walk. I picked up the litter in the neighborhood and set the trash can back upright so that my neighbor wouldn't have to worry about it when she got home.

Day 11 - Feeling like today is going to be a good day. Happy Thursday!

81. Gave money to homeless people who were nice.

82. Bought a doughnut for a friend and delivered it to his house.

83. Made stockings for a friend's office and delivered it to their house.

84. Made a double batch of Chex Muddy Buddies for some friends.

85. Gave a funny Christmas quote plaque to a friend.

86. Donation to Toys for Tots!

87. Jamberry gave me exclusive wraps as hostess gifts for a party I held. You can't buy these. Today I'm giving the December wraps to someone I think will enjoy them much more than I ever would.

88. A friend shared two special truffles with me from his advent calendar.

89. Sharing chocolate covered ruffles with my team.

90. Surprised a friend with a new glass water bottle.

Day 10 - Spread the holiday cheer to those far and near!

75. Decorated sugar cookies with friends at work!

76. Wrote Christmas cards to friends, family and people who will least expect it.

77. Made lunch for friends.

78. Donated money to the Salvation Army. Very nice man ringing the bell. :)

79. We were asked by a young man, a friend of my son's, for a place to stay Tuesdays-Saturdays while he works in PDX. He lives in Hood River. We agreed, and are looking forward to getting to know this young man.

80. A friend shared some helpful tips with me that were thoughtful and really helped.

Day 9 - Let's make more merry moments than yesterday!

67. Shared McDonald's coupons with coworkers.

68. Today I tipped the barista $5 for my eggnog latte.

69. I bought my daughter a brand new hand mixer. Her 3 speed Kitchen Aid mixer gave our family a good 8 years (after being inherited used), but finally couldn't keep up. She'll be excited to have her new one as she bakes our neighbors' their holiday cookies.

70. A coworker in the electronics department gave me one of the display posters for Guardians of the Galaxy to give my children.

71. Picked up lunch for a friend who forgot to bring one to work.

72. Surprised a friend by cleaning their home while they were at work.

73. I have a strict "No Christmas Music Until Christmas Eve" rule that I broke today because I found out that a co-worker wasn't feeling well and one of her favorite things to do is listen to Christmas music. I played Christmas music for her in hopes that it made her feel better.

74. Ran a special errand for someone who wasn't able to leave their home.

Day 8 - Have a great week, make those moments!

Great weekend of making merry moments! Thanks everyone! Looking forward to seeing some more creative ideas.

61. Paid for the person's parking behind me.

62. Nothing like a warm, tasty Dutch Bros to make someone's day.

63. Left chocolates for the mail carrier.

64. Made a donation to the Ronald McDonald House.

65. Someone important to me recently lost someone important to her to suicide. She's been on my thoughts a lot lately. I made a decision to reach out to her throughout her mourning period whenever I feel called to. Today it was a text chat as she got her little one ready for bed and I got ready for work. It was good for both of us.

66. Donated to a local toy drive.

Day 5, 6 & 7 - Happy Weekend! Let's knock out at least 20!

29. Delivering coffee to friends with reindeer antlers and sparkly Santa hats.

30. One complimentary latte for the lady in the car behind me, coming right up!

31. Brought in pizza for all my coworkers.

32. Brought in cookies for the staff.

33.  I'm a lead clerk for a large retail chain. When I got in, last night, the closing crew had done an excellent job recovering my section. I asked who'd been responsible, and thanked him. I also made sure to tell our management team. A lower management associate took the garbage bin to the compactor, made a bale of cardboard, and tied up the recyclable shrink wrap. These are tasks usually delegated to people lower on the ladder. I appreciated it, and thanked him. Indeed, I made a habit to say thank you every time I felt a moment of gratitude toward someone.

34. Send a family a warm holiday message.

35. Gave a needed gift to a friend.

36. Gave a surprise gift to a friend.

37. Paid for a friend's dinner.

38. Comforted someone who was hurting.

39. Took middle seat on airplane.

40. Complimented someone for no reason.

41. Bought supply of caffeine pills for coworkers .

42. Gave a friend gummy bears.

43. Put away someone's weights at the gym.

44. Won a free beer but gave it away to someone else.

45. A man saw me looking lost in the sewing section and offered me help. His advice was perfect.

46. Brought cookies and cinnamon rolls.

47. Bought small gifts for my coworkers to give my girls.

48. I treated two coworkers to coffee drinks.

49. My girls and I made paper stockings and stuffed them with candy canes. Then we hung them on our neighbors' door knobs.

50. My aunt's husband recently left her earlier this year, and I sent her a just thinking of and loving you card, because I know first holidays without loved ones can be very difficult.

51. My daughter was at Target and was given a gift card by a stranger.

52. Someone knocked on our door, left candy canes, and ran.

53. I took some time to tell the people I love that I love them. I do this often, but today I made sure to do it with full attention on my loved one. They could feel it. My husband even smiled and said, "Am I your merry moment person today?" :)

54. Made a monetary donation to the children's hospital.

55. Gave a tip the workers at the Christmas Tree Farm, Every single person we encountered was  helpful, kind and full of holiday cheer.

56. Brought in a special ornament surprise for a friend.

57. Spruced up the office with some holiday decorations.

58. Surprised my coworkers by bringing in healthy snacks to work, on my day off!

59. Paid for a stranger's Christmas tree.

60. Made a donation to Yamhill County Search & Rescue.

Day 4 - Have a Merry Day!

20.  Left coupons on the products in Target for future shoppers to find.

21. Surprising friends with gift cards like a boss.

22. Took Ho Ho's and Ding Dong's to work for everyone to do a taste test.

23. Brought in holiday treats for coworkers to share.

24. "Hand holder" for someone getting blood work done.

25. Picked up a spa gift card to give to a resident at work.

26. Donated to The Cody Hardin Memorial Invitational basketball tournament to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Oregon.

27. Often I'll be reminded of someone by a song or a story. Today I took the time to text each person I was reminded of, so they'd know they were thought of today. By the end of the day, I'd contacted three friends from my childhood, my mother, my sister, one of my sons, one of my daughters, and my husband. I was blessed with return messages that made me smile.

28. Today our house flooded downstairs in my daughters' bedroom. I was supposed to be sleeping. I work nights. Instead I was cleaning and working with the crew sent in to deal with the water damage. When I finally dropped into bed cold and exhausted, my 4-year-old brought me a heating pack and climbed in next to me. She wrapped her little arms as far around me as she could, and we drifted off to sleep together.

Day 3 - Doesn't it feel like a great day to make someone else's day?

Need some Merry Moment ideas? Here is a great resource in Portland and the greater metropolitan area. Feel free to comment below with other ideas!

Hands on Greater Portland 

Also, check out this article on Oregon Live for other great ideas.

15. Bought a rose for my sweet heart.

16. Left words of encouragement for a friend who I thought might need some extra love today.

17. Brought in a Wednesday treat for my coworkers!

18. A gift card came in handy for the gal in front of me who had her card decline today.

19. Called a friend I haven't seen in 24 years to make sure she knows I still love her.

Day 2 - Let's hit the ground running!

8. Bought candy canes and passed them out to coworkers.

9. Gave a friend a bunch of fitness gear to help them get in shape.

10. My two youngest children and I drew pictures and wrote handwritten letters to friends and family near and far. These were not Christmas greetings, rather birthday greetings and thinking of you sentiments. I kept them mindful of the details; which stamp to use, which envelope seal, which media to express themselves with (marker was popular), and even taught the 4-year-old where to put her name in the return address section. It was a delight for all of us.

11. Made supper for a friend who worked a double shift.

12. Surprised a friend at work with coffee.

13. Wrote Christmas cards for soldiers currently serving our country.

14. Donated food to the local food bank.

2014 Merry Moments is here!

It is that special time again! The time to spread holiday cheer and make people's day a little more merry.

This year, we have decided to add/change the hashtag so we can follow it closer! You can still use #merrymoment but we will be tracking the moments and the movement with this guy:

#merrymovement

Also feel free to submit your merry moments to hello@themerrymoments.com 

Day 1

1. Donated three winter coats.

2. Surprised a friend with a fun present to last all December.

3. Shared Thanksgiving leftovers with coworkers.

4. A woman's car was broken down on the side of the road, I stopped and asked if she needed assistance. She said that a tow truck was on the way. I offered to go get her a hot beverage and wait with her until the tow truck got there.

5. Made a donation to Operation Home Front.

6. Someone left a yummy Trader Joe's advent calendar on my desk at work for me.

7. I was driving home from work at 5:00 am and stopped for an eggnog latte. The barista was working a drive-thru with 2 windows. She was alone and bundled against the cold that crept in from two open windows. She was so friendly and personable. I slipped a $5 bill into her tip jar when she wasn't looking. It isn't much, but I'm hoping it gave her a smile.