December in the West: A Gratitude Calendar to Close the Year with Wellbeing

Thanksgiving just passed, and that feeling of saying “thank you” is still fresh. Many of us made a mental — or even written — list of things we’re grateful for. And while everyone may experience it from their own beliefs, practicing gratitude is first and foremost an exercise in wellbeing.

Why gratitude makes us feel good

Gratitude activates areas of the brain linked to pleasure, calm, and social connection. In addition, it triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that improve mood, reduce stress, and help us sleep better. Consequently, practicing gratitude has a real, measurable impact on emotional and mental health.

A calendar for all beliefs

December is full of traditions, anticipation, and celebration. Inspired by that, we created a gratitude calendar to extend the sense of wellbeing throughout the month. Not just to prolong the holiday season, but also to recognize the many privileges of living where others only vacation.

Before the daily examples, keep in mind that this list is just a suggestion. The goal is for each person to find something personal, real, and meaningful to be grateful for every day.

Gratitude Calendar – 31 Days in the West

Day 1: I’m grateful for living in a place where others only vacation.
Day 2: I’m grateful for the West’s sunsets from my favorite spot.
Day 3: I’m grateful for being no more than 15 minutes from the ocean.
Day 4: I’m grateful for being able to go to the beach even on Christmas.
Day 5: I’m grateful for winters without cold or snow.
Day 6: I’m grateful for neighbors who give homemade pastries.
Day 7: I’m grateful for the taste of coquito made by a grandmother.
Day 8: I’m grateful for pitorro in every imaginable flavor.
Day 9: I’m grateful for enjoying passion fruit, coconut, or tamarind ice cream in the “winter.”
Day 10: I’m grateful for seeing bomba live at least once a month.
Day 11: I’m grateful for people playing dominoes in plazas and on the beaches.
Day 12: I’m grateful for the cuerito from the lechón.
Day 13: I’m grateful for desserts such as tembleque, arroz con dulce, and majarete. that we savor from November to January.
Day 14: I’m grateful for the experience of eating morcilla without thinking too much about it.
Day 15: I’m grateful for family debates about pasteles, whether they include raisins, olives, or ketchup.
Day 16: I’m grateful for discussions about whether potato salad should have apple or egg.
Day 17: I’m grateful for hearing a cuatro played live.
Day 18: I’m grateful for the incredible talent of our trovadores.
Day 19: I’m grateful for watching kids gather grass for Reyes with full excitement.
Day 20: I’m grateful for people who bring toys and food to those in need.
Day 21: I’m grateful for the island’s festive spirit that never fades.
Day 22: I’m grateful for seeing horses, cows, goats, and even peacocks on the way to school or work.
Day 23: I’m grateful for being able to reach a mountain or a beach in under 10 minutes.
Day 24: I’m grateful for Christmas Eve with a warm breeze.
Day 25: I’m grateful for the privilege of celebrating Christmas by the sea.
Day 26: I’m grateful for plazas filled with lights and life.
Day 27: I’m grateful for West Puerto Rico coffee because it’s always perfect.
Day 28: I’m grateful for the sound of the coquí at night.
Day 29: I’m grateful for walking along Kilometer 0 here in the West.
Day 30: I’m grateful for roads that lead to hidden, magical beaches.
Day 31: I am grateful, especially, for closing the year watching a sunset that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Closing the year

They say after 21 days something can become a habit. If we reach the 31st, it’s very possible we can hold onto the beautiful feeling of gratitude and make it part of our daily lives — perhaps even as a New Year’s resolution. We’re confident there will always be at least one reason a day to give thanks.