A cartoon on the page opposite this editorial depicts “Peace on earth” as a Christmas gift for which there is “some assembly required.”

During this traditional season of peace, it is, perhaps, good to remember that good will toward others isn’t something that just happens spontaneously.

In fact, in recent days, there seems to be ample evidence that human nature tends more toward conflict than cooperation and more toward competition than compassion. There are winners and losers in the world, and since “we” (insert your favorite cause) deserve to win, we must do everything in our power to make that happen.

And to take that line of thinking a bit further, we cannot win unless they lose. Meeting somewhere in the middle or seeking a compromise that is satisfactory to all parties simply isn’t enough.

These principles are painfully apparent in the workings of our government and our world, but they also are too present in our day-to-day dealings with those around us. We are so easily offended. Rather than entertaining the notion that someone with whom we are dealing is simply having a bad day, we assume he or she is out to “get” us. Rather than trying to compromise or understand a different view, we feel compelled to argue our point and get others to accede to its correctness.

No wonder our peace is lying in pieces. We are making far too little effort to cooperate on this assembly project.

One of the messages of Christmas, however, is that there is hope. As the cartoon depicts, we possess the raw materials to build peace in our lives and in our world. It doesn’t come preassembled, but it does come with some instructions: Love your neighbor, let he who is without sin cast the first stone, do unto others :

They are principles that are easier to say than to live, but we should try. We all slip, but we shouldn’t use the fact that someone else did it first as an excuse. Peace begins at home, one person at a time.

Make it a point to carve out a little peace with those you share your holiday with today, and try to carry some of that feeling with you throughout the year.

Merry Christmas.