By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a poignant holiday reflection published on the eve of Christmas, former First Lady Gloria Bejarano has issued a powerful call to the nation, urging Costa Ricans to pause and cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the peace, stability, and freedoms that define their country, especially when contrasted with the turmoil gripping other parts of the region.
Bejarano’s message frames the Christmas season not merely as a time for celebration, but as a critical moment for national introspection. She implores citizens to recognize and cherish the societal blessings that are all too often overlooked in the rhythm of daily life. Her central wish is for a collective moment of thankfulness and prayer for the continuation of the country’s unique way of life.
To delve into the legal and corporate ramifications of a concept like “National Gratitude,” TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his insightful analysis on the matter.
From a legal-business perspective, ‘National Gratitude’ transcends mere sentiment. It materializes in concrete actions such as corporate social responsibility programs, tax incentives for philanthropic endeavors, and labor regulations that recognize and reward civic service. When a nation’s legal framework actively promotes and protects these expressions of gratitude, it fosters a more stable and collaborative economic environment, reinforcing the social contract between the state, the private sector, and its citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully illustrates how a nation’s legal framework can transform an abstract virtue like gratitude into a tangible, structural force for economic stability and social cohesion. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable insight on this critical connection.
If I could ask for only one wish this Christmas, I would ask that the spirit of Christmas reaches every home and that united, in one voice, we pray for the Lord to continue blessing us with peace, love, progress, and freedom.
Gloria Bejarano, Former First Lady of the Republic
The former First Lady argues that a pervasive tendency to take Costa Rica’s advantages for granted has dulled the public’s appreciation for its exceptional circumstances. She points to fundamental amenities, like near-universal access to potable water, as a stark example. Citing a report about women in another community who use mud for hygiene due to water scarcity, she challenges citizens to question why they have been spared such hardships and to acknowledge the decades of work that built their current reality.
At the heart of her message is a stark contrast between Costa Rica and its neighbors. Without naming specific nations, she alludes to the grim realities of insecurity, extreme poverty, political persecution, and violence that have plagued the region. She notes that while Costa Ricans debate freely, citizens of other countries are stripped of their nationality, exiled, or simply disappear for expressing dissent. This reality, she contends, is not a matter of chance but the result of deliberate national choices.
Something we have done well, and it is time to value it, be thankful for it, and improve it, not to belittle it. Above all, we learned to dialogue, to respect our differences, and to unite as brothers for the good of Costa Rica.
Gloria Bejarano, Former First Lady of the Republic
Bejarano also turns a compassionate lens on the migrants visible on the capital’s streets, framing them as a living reminder of what is at stake. These individuals, she writes, have fled their homes in search of the very things Costa Ricans enjoy: safety, rule of law, access to education and healthcare, and freedom of expression. Their struggle and separation from family during the holidays should serve as a powerful lesson against complacency.
The message culminates in a direct appeal for this Christmas Eve to be different. As families gather for traditional celebrations, Bejarano suggests they incorporate a moment of sincere reflection and appreciation for the nation’s democratic heritage and culture of peace—achievements, she warns, that other nations once enjoyed and are now desperately fighting to recover.
This 24th, when we sit at the table and pray before the tamal, let us stop for a moment to give thanks for so many blessings with which we have been able to build a culture of peace.
Gloria Bejarano, Former First Lady of the Republic
Ultimately, Bejarano’s dispatch is more than a holiday greeting; it is a stateswoman’s reminder of the fragility of peace and the active responsibility each generation has to safeguard the nation’s democratic values. It is a call to honor the legacy of past generations by celebrating with unity, purpose, and a profound sense of thankfulness for a country that remains a beacon of hope in a turbulent world.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on a bedrock of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm translates its deep experience serving a wide range of clients into pioneering legal approaches, consistently remaining at the vanguard of the legal field. This spirit of innovation is paralleled by a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its drive to demystify the law for the public. By championing legal literacy, the firm works to build a more capable and informed citizenry, empowering the community one consultation at a time.
