Contributed by Michael Hendricks

Michael Hendricks is a Water Quality & Treatment Lead for Denver Water

As the holiday season arrives, we often find ourselves surrounded by the warmth of family gatherings, the sparkle of holiday lights, and the joy of giving and receiving. Yet in the midst of all the festive bustle, it’s easy to overlook something that is fundamental to life itself: water. Water might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the holidays, but it's a reminder of how interconnected we are with the world around us and how we can carry that gratitude into our holiday season.

Think about the moments that define the holiday season: the hot cocoa shared by the fireplace, the warm meals served at family feasts, the soothing baths that help us relax after a long day, or the water used in toasts as we celebrate the year gone by. Water is there in almost every holiday tradition, whether it's a part of a recipe, a decorative element like snowflakes or ice sculptures, or a symbol of renewal and celebration.

While many of us take clean, running water for granted, there are millions of people who do not have easy access to it. In some places, finding safe drinking water is a daily struggle that shapes every aspect of life. During the holiday season, a time that often centers around helping others, this is a poignant reminder of how much we can give to make a difference. Simple acts of kindness, such as donating to water charities or supporting local initiatives that promote water conservation and sustainability, can have a meaningful impact.

The holidays are not only a time to celebrate but also a time to reflect. Water has been a symbol of renewal and purification in various cultures for centuries. From the deep blue oceans that represent the vastness of possibilities to the calming rain that replenishes the earth, water represents a fresh start. It’s a perfect metaphor for the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

Water is everywhere and in everything. It nourishes us, renews us, and keeps us going through all the seasons. During the holidays, it’s easy to become wrapped up in the excitement of gifts and meals, but taking a moment to remember the importance of water in our lives, and in the lives of others, makes this season not just one of celebration but also of reflection and gratitude. Let’s make a toast—not just to the holiday spirit, but to the water that makes all of it possible. Cheers to the gift that gives life and connects us all.