Holiday gratitude

For a region that is magnanimous in its count of rivers and trees.

For “ugly sweater day” at the downtown ice rink

For the Yolo Bypass and levees-in-progress that, so far, have kept Sacramento safe and dry, even Natomas.

For David Garibaldi’s urban portraits (especially the John Lennons).

For the Occupy movement’s defense of the 99 percent.

For the Sacramento Ballet’s Nutcracker tradition, complete this year with live music from the Sacramento Philharmonic.

For the winding, wonderful American River Bike Trail.

For local volunteers and activists who are out there fighting the good fight in defense of the poor, the disenfranchised, the environment.

For simple pleasures, like walking the dog.

For the art lovers at Verge Center for the Arts.

For the poetry lovers at Luna’s Café & Juice Bar.

For Chando’s Taco’s three-taco special.

For a brisk winter’s morning in Sacramento with or without the tule fog.

For Clayton Bailey’s hilarious worldview with “Cyclops,”

now on display at the Crocker Art Museum.

For the hidden bee garden at UC Davis.

For the fact that, despite sky-high unemployment rates, some of us have the job of our dreams.

For co-workers who make us proud.

For friends who make us laugh.

For family and loved ones.

For you, dear readers.