Happy Holidays!

Marine scientists place the utmost importance on biodiversity within the oceans, coasts, and terrestrial ecosystems around the world. Diversity provides stability, resilience, and vitality within a system of complex ecological relationships.  In other words, animal and plant communities depend on variety.  But what about diversity within our own social spheres and systems?  Diversity is difficult to define in anthropological terms, but it is hard to argue that variety enriches our life experiences by exposing us to new and changing ideas that stimulate learning and creative thinking. 

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the diversity within our own communities.  Along with unique ethnic backgrounds, professional training, or regional upbringing, each of us have special holiday traditions, family rituals, travel plans, and even spiritual beliefs.  As the winter’s holidays come and go, think about all of the joy and solidarity enjoyed by people around the world celebrating winter and the coming of a new calendar year.  Whether you’re sitting around a Christmas tree opening stockings or lighting a family menorah, take a few moments to think of all the people in your communities (and everywhere, for that matter) who are celebrating unique and diverse traditions that bring warmth and happiness. 

Visit Wikipedia to learn more about seasonal holidays being celebrated around the world. 

Happiest holidays and get ready to compare and commiserate on best ocean-themed gifts you received from friends and family!