Some people have told us they were having more trouble than usual getting into the Christmas spirit this year.

They didn’t exactly know why. Maybe the weather had been too warm or schedules a little too busy. And there certainly have been a lot of “un-Christmasy” things going on across the state and nation and around the world.

We anticipate the joy of this season, but it’s not always easy to find that joy on either a personal or global level. There certainly are traditional holiday celebrations going on around the world, but there also is much discord and danger.

Sometimes, the simple holiday pleasures are the best: Christmas carols on the radio, twinkling lights on Massachusetts Street, a few cookies from a friend or an unexpected Christmas card. Doing something nice for someone less fortunate is always a good way to share the warmth of the season.

Christmas is a time when people come together to worship, to sing, to celebrate. It’s a Christian holiday, but it also is an opportunity to consider the common bonds of humanity that cross religious lines: compassion and charity, the desire for peace and safety, for freedom and happiness.

For many in the U.S. and around the world, those dreams are not being realized, but Christmas also is the season of hope — hope that humankind someday will be able to embrace the ideal of “peace on Earth, goodwill to men.”

We hope you will find joy and happiness with family and friends today and enjoy the warmest feelings of the season — and, at least for a day, that we can put the worries of the world aside and celebrate in peace.

Merry Christmas!