For many people, 2019 will be a year they will want to forget.
The country has been divided by Brexit, witnessed yet another terror attack and been battered by appalling weather.
As is so often the case, the Queen captures the nation’s feelings in her Christmas message.
It has been, she will say, a “bumpy” path, no doubt referring to her own family’s difficulties as much as those of her subjects.
The monarchy has had its share of controversies from Prince Philip’s car crash to Prince Andrew’s ill-judged TV interview.
Yet the Queen is right to say that we can build bridges and bring people together through small steps “taken in hope and faith”.
The past year has also shown the best of this country – whether in heroism of those who fought the London Bridge attacker, the brilliance of our sportsmen and women, or the way communities rallied around flood victims.
These should be our inspirations as we look to the year ahead.
Home truth
It is shameful that thousands of people will spend this Christmas on the streets.
Figures show rough sleepers have risen from 1,768 in 2010, when the Tories came to power, to 4,677 today. Almost every major UK city has reported an increase in the numbers.
The exception is Greater Manchester, where the Labour Mayor Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night scheme has led to a 37% fall.
He deserves praise for making the issue a priority. Others should be encouraged to follow his lead, though there is only so much councils can do on limited resources.
If we really want to help people, we must provide more affordable housing and give local government the funding it needs.
Festive thanks
We would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas.
And we thank the NHS staff, emergency services, the Armed Forces and everyone else having to work over the festive season.
