The Christmas spirit swept through Malacañang Palace on Sunday night as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son Vincent, led the lighting of the Palace Christmas tree at the Kalayaan Grounds.

Adorned with parols and crowned with a bright star, the tree illuminated the grounds as the rest of the Marcos family looked on, marking the start of the holiday festivities in the Palace.

Marcos also awarded the top three winners and three special awardees of the Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin National Parol-Making Competition Year 4.

First place went to Region III Provincial Center-Calumpit, Bulacan; second place to Region III Regional Training Center Central Luzon-Guiguinto, Bulacan; and third place to Region VII Provincial Training Center-Bilar, Bohol.

After the tree lighting, Marcos urged Filipinos to slow down during the holidays and reconnect with their loved ones.

“Christmas has a special meaning to Filipinos. And that’s why we celebrate it really very, very, very seriously,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines marks the season differently from the rest of the world, with many putting up decorations as early as September.

“It means something special to us Filipinos… it is the time to maybe put down what we are carrying and spend more time,” he said.

Marcos acknowledged that busy schedules often lead to neglecting family.

“Especially those of us who are very busy — sometimes we neglect our family… and this is the time for us to take that time… take a little time off and spend some good time with your friends, with your family,” he said.

The President reminded the public that the joy of the season is not limited to the young.

“Christmas is for children. But you know, children of all ages, though. Because whatever age you are, you can still enjoy Christmas as well as any child,” he said.

He added that the break allows people to recharge. “We come back refreshed… with new ideas… with new blood,” he said. “And that will come from just spending good time with our loved ones, and to remember that this is the celebration of the birth of Jesus.”