” The Holiday Season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” Terri Marshall

Motivation Mondays: The Holiday Season
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill
I awoke this morning with devout Thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. Ralph Waldo Emerson
The holiday season is the most popular time of the year for identity theft. It’s true. Last Christmas, I saw a hundred guys pretending to be Santa. Jimmy Fallon
Happy Holiday Season! This is a time of great activity: shopping, spending, worrying, thanking, and getting giddy over the Winter Solstice on the 21st, the start of Hanukkah on the 24th, Christmas Day on the 25th, and Kwanzaa on the 26th. It is a time to take stock of all the things that have brought us to the end of 2016; some great, some good, and some not so good. No matter what kind of year this has been for us, we must take time to reflect, give thanks, and stay motivated to start 2017 on a stronger note. WE can start by making a list of all the fun and funny things that happened in 2016. That alone should put a smile on your face. Then make another list of all the lessons you learned and how they made you a better person. Is that helping you shift your mood? I bet it is…
During the holiday season, I often observe a mood shift in people; they seem a tad more hopeful, cheerful,l and happy about the impending holidays. There is excitement in the air and, if we could package that excitement and share some of it with struggling families or put some in reserve for the coming year, we’d all have a boost in both our energy levels and our spirit. Of course, all of this depends on our attitude and our feelings of gratitude. Instead of counting the 1000 ways 2016 did us wrong, we can spend our time creating new and positive memories to help us wrap up the year. While we are at it, we can also dig up those precious moments that gave us hope and joy this year… If we look closely, we will find them. As the year wraps up, ask yourself: What am I grateful for this year?
A Story – The Poor Farmer and The Nobleman
His name was Fleming, a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while working on the farm to feed his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.
There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the boy’s father.
‘I want to repay you,’ said the nobleman. ‘You saved my son’s life.’
‘No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,’ the Scottish farmer replied,d waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.
‘Is that your son?’ the nobleman asked.
‘Yes,’ the farmer replied proudly.
‘I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.’ And that he did.
Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.
What saved his life this time? Penicillin.
The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name?
Sir Winston Churchill.
Someone once said, “What goes around comes around.”
Work like you don’t need the money.
Love as if you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching.
Sing like nobody’s listening.
Live like it’s Heaven on Earth.
Have a wondrous Holiday Season.
Love and Blessings always!
Motivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for October and November 2016 are:
NOVEMBER
11/01/6 – 01 All Saints Day/Day of the Dead, 02 All Souls Day, 03 Culture Day, 05 Guy Fawkes Day
11/07 – 07 Chocolate + Almonds Day, 11 Martinmas/Remembrance Day/Veterans Day/Armistice Day, 13 World Kindness Day
11/14 – 14 Full Moon, 15 Republic Day, 16 Day of Repentance,20 National Black Consciousness Day/Revolution Day
11/21 – 21 World Hello Day, 23 National Cashew Day, 24 Thanksgiving Day
11/28 – 29 New Moon/E-Greetings Day/National Day of Listening
DECEMBER
12/05 – 01 World AIDS Day, 02 Int’ l Abolition of Slavery Day, 07 Pearl Harbor/Remembrance, 08 Immaculate Conception
12/12 – 10 Human Rights Day, 12 Green Day, 16 Day of Reconciliation
12/19 – 18 Int’ l Migrants Day, 21 Winter Solstice, 24 Start of Hanukkah, 25 Christmas Day
12/26 – 26 Start of Kwanzaa Day, 31 End of Year!
Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?

– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.

— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab
More Below!
“For me, I think everybody with half a heart tries to do their best to do their part of good during the holiday season.” Darren Criss

Motivation Mondays: The Holiday Season
Nothing will work unless you do Maya Angelou
Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas. Dale Evans
My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple; loving others. Bob Hope
Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from. Seth Godin
Every year, during the Holiday Season, I spend time with my friends and family, and we look back and find ways to give back. As I reflect on 2016, I’d like to say THANK YOU to all of you for helping me along the way. It was a challenging and rewarding year, with lots of magical moments thrown in. My family and friends showed me so much love and care, and I cannot thank them enough. I thank them and all of you out there for the terrific support you’ve given me/ this blog this year. I would not have kept at it without your loving feedback and encouragement. May the coming year be filled with abundant love, joy, blessings, creative gifts, and goodwill for all of us. What are your plans for this holiday season? What do you wish for yourself in the coming year? Thank you ALL!
A Story: Use The Season To Encourage Others Part 1
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.
The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their military service, and where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods when his world broadened and came alive with all the activity and color outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline lay in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room closed his eyes and imagined the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band, he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Then unexpectedly, a sinister thought entered his mind. Why should the other man alone experience all the pleasures of seeing everything while he himself never got to see anything? It didn’t seem fair. Read the rest here: Holiday Spirit.
Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Any Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn

Positive Motivation Tip: Use the holiday season to bring cheer to others and yourself!
Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wants to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a Motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMonday.s Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will help others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to complement the page. It’s another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.
Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, useWordPress’’ integrated tool on your blog, or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
Related Posts
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos – Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, via Wikipedia, and/or Holiday Season, Happy Holidays, via Pixabay
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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Love this!!
It’s so true that people’s moods tend to shift during this time of the year. People just feel jollier and more giving – I love it!
I did not know the story of Fleming and Churchill. Kindness is such an amazing thing
The picture on the top right is my favorite!!!
I completely agree that people are more hopeful during the holiday season. Families reconnect, people reflect and move on from past grudges.
I always love the story of the Poor Farmer & the Nobleman! Thank you for the wonderful, uplifting post!
I love the holiday season! We always try to give back!
I love the story of the farmer and his son discovering penicillin. I agree work like you dont need the money
This holiday season has been so hectic. I have been working full time and trying to spend time with my kids, while getting ready for the holidays. Makes me feel like I am foundering, but come Christmas morning when I just spend time with my kids and love them and see their faces full of wonder… it will make all this heart-string-pulling worth it.
I absolutely love that that notion. Instead of dwelling on the mistakes we made this past year, just be merry and enjoy the moment!!
I love this time of the year! A lot to be thankful for and a lot to remember.
nice article, thanks for sharing, marry christmas
Love to you at Christmas and blessings for the year ahead.
The spirit of Christmas makes me excited to spend time with my family. Though I have work on the 25th, this article inspired me on how to encourage others.
Holiday season is a moment where we can reflect on our life, to know the real reason of us being here on earth, our purpose, our responsibility. It is also taking a time to see our family and loved ones to know their situation so we can offer any help that we can give.
Holiday season is a moment where we can reflect on our life, to know the real reason of us being here on earth, our purpose, our responsibility. It is also taking a time to see our family and loved ones to know their situation so we can offer any help that we can give.
What a nice post. I enjoyed the story of the The Poor Farmer and The Nobleman!
A thought provoking post, this. Wishing you all the best for the festive season, and may 2017 be the best year yet for you!
As much as this year has truly been rough for me, I look back with gratefulness that I was able to make it this far. It has been difficult but it definitely taught me lessons and gave me wisdom that outweighs all the hurt and pain I had to go through. Thank you for helping make my 2016 wonderful by sharing your wonderful posts and haikus. They always brought a smile to my face. God bless and Hapoy Holidays!
How nice of you to give back to the ones that you love in this seasonal time of giving. May 2017 be a great year for you.
This season always makes me think about what I have, what I lost and everything. I think this is the perfect time of the year to reflect.
I absolutely love the holiday season! It would be amazing if all the people would be more caring during all the year not just for the holidays!
Such a gorgeous holiday photo collage! Loving this season and these photos are a reminder of everything merry!
What a beautiful story. I got the chills reading it. So much truth to that. What goes around comes around!
Thanks for the motivation. Mondays are always hard but it is good to get out and remember the Christmas season and keep the spirit of the season alive. Thanks for sharing the great story.
I’m grateful for everyone that’s in my life. The holidays doesn’t allow me to be as hopeful as I want to be, so I surround myself with people who matter to me.
What an interesting story. It is true things come around, both good and bad. 🙂
When I sit down to reflect on what has happened in 2016 I am amazed and forever grateful too. Its important to always appreciate what has been good or bad and focus on the future
I agree that I notice a lot more happy and hopeful people around the holidays. If only we could find a way to keep that holiday spirit going all year round!
I am in shock that it is the holiday season!!! I love that there are so many different holidays being celebrated this month!
Reflecting and giving back is a perfect description for the season. Focusing on what is most important.
I always seem to struggle this time of year, with bipolar it’s very common that we also suffer from SAD and with the cold weather and dark nights my mods often dip so I would appreciate any help offered by friends this time of year
Wow, very interesting.
Christmas is the best holiday season of the year! Thanks for sharing this amazing post. Happy holiday to you!
What an incredible story about the Scottish farmer. I love it and it is such a wonderful context to look back on the tapestry that has been this year.
Someone once said: What goes around comes around. i like the story of The Poor Farmer and The Nobleman. interesting to read infront of my children
This time of the year is my favorite! I like to look back and see how the year’s been. Whether it’s been a good year or not, it’s definitely still a good reflection
This year, I am grateful for my family, my wonderful fiancee and friends, and being free to be me!
I don’t like the holiday season simply because someone dear died during this time. Since then it has never been the same
Happy Holidays to you, Elizabeth! So true that the holiday spirit should be translated into helping less fortunate neighbors around us. Give thanks for the blessings received the whole year by giving back to those who need help more.
This is such an inspirational post! I love the graphic that you made.
I’ve still yet to learn about all the different holidays that happen during this season but I love that this time is a happy time for a lot of people – regardless of religion 🙂
I love how you’ve covered a wide range of religion, belief, celebration and Happy Holidays!
I love the holidays because everyone is in such a cheery mood. It is the perfect time to reflect on everything and everyone you are grateful for this year.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Like you, I love spending time with family and friends and I feel it’s important to give back all year but especially during the holiday season.
Very inspiring, I’ve heard of that story about the Farmer and the Noble man, they really teach people how to accept fate and humility. Seeing this post makes me want to hug my children at this moment, it’s all so heartwarming.
Love the story! I save it for later. Thanks!
xoxo
Tyler
http://www.feeltheesunlight.com/
What a lovely read. I always find people are much happier in December, other than the stressed shoppers who have left things too last minute x
In this year’s holiday season, may we all learn the true meaning of unconditional love and thanksgiving. Santa Claus wasn’t just a character, he was also the idea of sharing love with everyone.
i love your motivation mondays. thanks for the amazing shares
You’re right. It doesn’t matter what the season is, it’s all about our attitude towards life. But you also can’t help but be more cheerful and happy during the Holidays! It’s like a natural mood booster! Happy holidays to you!
The story of Winston Churchill and Alexander Fleming is so inspiring. I believe in Karma and this story just adds to it
I see that attitude shift in myself. I love this time of year, and always feel a little bit lighter than normal. It’s stressful, for sure. But there’s so much joy surrounding these busy weeks.
OMG I loooove that story about the poor farmer. I had no idea. That was a very enjoyable read. Too bad it takes the holidays for people to show more compassion toward others. It should be like that daily.
Holiday season is all about Shopping, traveling, meeting friends & family and it is surely a cheerful time of the year that brings refreshment to your busy life right away. The story of the Poor Farmer and the reason behind Penicillin is quiet amazing for sure.
Wonderful post as always. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday! I agree with using the season to encourage others, I plan to do this!
It’s handy having the important dates listed. Some I didn’t even know about!
This season is about so much more than seeing how much you can GET! You’re right! It’s about seeing how much you can GIVE!
Holidays are motivation; they put a temporary stop to our worries and make us happy. There are many people who donate as well, which is the best thing one could do.
I love that Winston Churchill quote! I think it’s a good reminder at this time of year to give more and not expect things in return.
Your posts are always so motivating. I hope you have an amazing Christmas.
Your positivity is quite infectious and I thank you for that.One of the things I love best about the holiday season is the joy brought to so many people from all walks of life.
I agree – the holiday season brings hope, and I am glad it is during year end as most of us are exhausted and have stories to tell about the year behind us. It is a good thing that we end with hope!
Omg I can’t believe it’s already winter!!! And now Christmas is just days away. This year really blew by fast. Happy Holidays!!!!! Xoxo
I love that: making a list of all the lessons you have learned. Thank you so much for this post.
Beautifully written. So true , holidays and festive season is a perfect time for blessings.
I do believe the holidays are a time where we are all a little bit more hopeful and motivated to do better and be a better person. I do love doing special things for people throughout the year but it is especially nice over the holidays.
I have loved following along with your Motivation Mondays. This is another great one. I love that you have featured several holidays.
Merry Christmas Eliz. I guess it’s such a festive time once again and apart from the celebrations. It’s the time to add radiance to others season as well.
I just adore the Christmas season! Celebrating Jesus’ birth, watching my boys open their presents, the glow of Christmas lights… It’s a beautiful time of year! I also start looking forward to the next year and figure out how I can make it better than the last.
We do that as well–when we get together, we tell one another how much we appreciate each other. We had a fabulous Solstice celebration yesterday, and that’s exactly what we did! Helps me to keep that feeling of love and joy that infuses this season all year long.
I love this time of year! It’s one of my favorites. WHile I know many people are rushed and stressing, I also know many remember to look outside themselves.
Terry Marshall’s quote is fitting for this time of year. I do a lot of reflecting during December.
I absolutely love this post! The story about The Poor Farmer and The Nobleman is a perfect example of ‘what goes around comes around’. Hope you have a merry holiday Season!
It is nice to have a bit of motivation on Mondays especially with the holidays. I know that I sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday!
What an awesome topic specially this holiday season. The story of the Poor Farmer and The Nobleman is very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I love to spend that time with family and friends as well! love your stories
What wonderful sentiments for the end of 2016 and great ones to enter 2017 with. I love the story about the farmers son and the noblemans son and how they both affected each others lives. Happy Christmas!
I agree that during this time everyone seems a little more hopeful. I like how you bring up to bottle some of that for the upcoming year. I am personally going to try to stay more positive in the new year and continue my quest to helping others in my community.
indeed Christmas always gives people so much joy and happiness. its this time that we all celebrate and meetup with friends and family
Happy Holidays! The season is finally here! And this is a perfect quote: Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from. Seth Godin
Great way to go into this weekend! Motivation and stories like these are what I love to read. Thank you.
I love this magical part of the year! Everything looks so festive and fun! I totally agree with you that we should think about all the good memories we had for this year rather than counting all the bad ones!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Elizabeth! 🙂
I love your motivational messages, they’re always so helpful. I hope you have a great holiday this weekend. God bless!
Happy Holidays!
Jasmine / http://www.jasminekeclipse.com
I think I have heard or read the story of the Nobleman and poor farmer from somewhere, but I’m not sure if it was Sir Winston Churchill for that son… Either way, it’s very motivational and positive!
The holidays really are an interesting time. I like what you say about if we could just bottle that spirit up for the rest of the year. I think the challenge to take forward is to just be that hopeful and joyful throughout the rest of the new year.
This Holiday season, lots of people took the finger off the ball to enjoy time out. An awesome thing to do. Yet this statement below spoke to me:
“Work like you don’t need the money.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching.
Sing like nobody’s listening.
Live like it’s Heaven on Earth.
Have a wondrous Holiday Season
Love and Blessings always!”
And I say again Thanks for feeding my Mind and soul Elizabeth, this year. I wish you a merry Christmas and an even more amazing 2017! 🙂
~Julie Sylvia
What a beautiful and heartwarming post! The Holiday season is is definitely my favorite time of the year. It’s a great time to spend with family and friends! Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays to you! Holidays is indeed time to relax, rejuvenate and like you said be thankful to God and others who are always there with us in this journey.
I love the motivation thoughts and the beautiful graphics of the season.
Thanks so much. The same goes to you. Just this morning as I was sending my kids to school, it dawned on me what my new years resolution should be. I hope I’d be successful because it would mean a lot for my kids. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
The holiday season is one to always share in triumphs! I am loving your post.
I love these motivation posts. Any reminder to live in gratitude is awesome and always welcome.
I love the cheer of the Christmas spirit, it always seems to be contagious! Merry Christmas and hope you have a Happy New Year
The last holidays were a bit different for me, I decided to save up instead or going for shopping so that I won’t struggle finding the kids school fees. The most important thing is that we spend it together as a family.
So true!