A Christian festival is what Christmas is all about — celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the forgiveness of our sins. And sharing our blessings with our friends and loved ones is a tradition that comes with it.

It's a universal thing, not just observed in the Philippines but throughout the world, that has been reached by Christian teaching. "Give love on Christmas Day," as the song goes.

"The most important tradition for us is family gatherings during Christmas. This is actually universal, not just for us Filipinos. This was reflected in the unity and closeness of the holy family on the first Christmas," a priest friend said.

Rev. Fr. Luis V. Evardoni, now the Catholic chaplain at St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City, explained the values and traditions that last no matter how times change.

"The Simbang Gabi tradition signifies the longing for a deeper faith and trust in God. Some would ask a favor from God after completing the nine-day dawn Masses. This was first introduced to us by the Spanish missionaries as thanksgiving Masses in honor of the Blessed Mother. Filipinos now think of Simbang Gabi as a significant tradition of our Christmas celebration. It would lead us to understand better the real meaning of Christmas — that God loved us and sent His only Son for our salvation. We, too, should reach out and help each other," Fr. Evardoni said.

He said that values are formed From these traditions, emphasizing humility and kindness. Sharing God's grace with our loved ones, family members and friends, even acquaintances, co-workers, etc., is the love that Christmas Day brings with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"We see in them the humility of God through the baby Jesus; God becoming a human person born in a stable and not accepted by his own people. We can see in them the face of the humble God. Of the elderly and the orphans. May they feel from us the love of the Lord who as a baby is one with them," said Fr. Louie, as he is fondly called since his seminary days when this writer, an "altar boy" at one of the oldest churches in Quezon City — the San Pedro Parish Church in San Francisco del Monte, met him.

He added that opening one's hands, embracing the lonely and the elderly, and bringing them gifts to spread the joy and spirit of Christmas is what the festivity brings to families that visit orphanages like the Hospicio De San Jose near Malacañang.

"We should make them feel our empathy on Christmas. In this way, we can feel the love of Jesus, who became the human child of God," he added, referring to the tradition of some Filipino families during Christmas of visiting orphanages and homes for the elderly.

And speaking of Malacañang, even the Presidential Palace has opened its doors to the masses, being the true owners of the Palace.

"This Christmas, the Palace is open to its true owners — the people. If you think about it, since President BBM (Bongbong Marcos) took office, Malacañang has always been open to the Masses. But these holidays, President BBM and family have organized a special treat for the common man, especially the children, who would like to enjoy the spirit of the season right inside the Palace grounds," Presidential Assistant for Strategic Communications Cesar Chavez said.

He said there are rides in a carnival setting that children can enjoy.

"Or take selfies in front of the magnificently lighted Christmas tree. Or families can just walk around the lush garden and savor the cool evening breeze. The Palace has been transformed not only into a place of fun this Christmas but a place to practice one's faith. The traditional Simbang Gabi is held there every night," he added.

This is the first time the Palace grounds have been opened to the public for all the nine dawn Masses.

"Never was there a time that the gates of Malacañang were thrown wide open to the public this long. It is the tradition of Filipinos to receive visitors during Christmas and invite relatives, neighbors, and friends. That is why the Palace was opened so the President could greet the people and say to them, 'Come into your house,'" Chavez said.

This shows that being the steward of this government, PBBM knows that he is just the temporary caretaker of Malacañang. He knows he does not own this place. Chavez said it belongs to the people, pinning the hashtag #PaskongPinoySaPalasyo.

Truly, Christmas will always be in our hearts as it brings magic too, as most Pinoys practice not only giving gifts to each other but also forgiveness for wrongdoings, to be one family again.