In this edition: Belonging

People often define themselves according to their sense of belonging, especially at Christmas time. They characterise themselves according to their family ties, friends, race and religious beliefs. In this Christmas edition of the Transit Lounge we explore what it really means to belong.

Lin Hatfield Dodds

The good old Aussie fair go has slowly but surely been eroded as our nation has become ever more divided between the haves and have-nots. Social inclusion is a society in which everyone has access to the means and opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and be valued by their community..

Meera Atkinson

Our Christmas celebrations still retain the roots of a pagan solstice event that was co-opted by the Roman Church. The Transit Lounge looks at four Christmas traditions: the tree, Santa Claus, giving gifts and kissing under the mistletoe.

Nicole Reardon

Rev Lekima Gonerau is a prison chaplain for the Methodist Church in Fiji. He counsels prisoners who have been cut off from their families, communities and loved ones, helping them heal and regain a sense of belonging.

Meera Atkinson

Platypuses are solitary creatures that only meet to mate. Leopard seals are more than happy to live alone. However, human beings are hard-wired to crave connection, relationships and community.

Rev Dr Chris Walker

At Christmas the significance of both 'belonging' and 'belongings' is evident. But what did Jesus have to say?

Mardi Lumsden

Whether we like it or not, we can’t choose our family. So is Christmas really the time to challenge them?

Nicole Reardon

With over 130 million users wordwide, Facebook has become the largest international social networking group. With so many people now linked up online, it’s no wonder people are redefining the communities to which they belong.