On the eve of Christmas, the rush to find the perfect gifts and the most delicious food for Noche Buena comes to a halt. Filipinos will gather with their loved ones to celebrate the meaning of Christmas, continuing traditions that were temporarily halted during the pandemic or creating new rituals for the young ones to follow. Although consumerism has colored much of the season, shiny things cannot replace the memories that will be formed by the familial bond over a meal, around the Christmas tree, or under the parol. Bonding with family is what was emphasized by Malacañang, when the President, as the “father” of the nation, has prioritized families during the holiday season. In fact, the President ordered the opening of the Palace grounds to the public – dubbed “Tara sa Palasyo,” a first in recent memory – at the start of Simbang Gabi. From Dec. 18 until today, Dec. 24, families are free to roam around to view Malacañang’s Christmas display and attend the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall. Last Dec. 21, the President personally welcomed the families, some who even came as far as Cavite and Laguna. In a video posted online, the President emphasized how this season is for families: “Bring your families, bring the kids here before you attend Simbang Gabi… you can now enjoy the specialty of the Palace – puto bumbong.” The opening of Malacañang, according to the Office of the Press Secretary, is part of the President’s goal to make sure that Filipino children, especially those residing near the area, will have a joyful and meaningful Christmas. As of the evening of Dec. 21, more than 800 visitors have dropped by the Palace grounds to feel the Christmas spirit. This emphasis on the family during Christmas was once again highlighted when the President said, during a gift-giving event organized by the DSWD last Dec. 22, that “helping every Filipino is always the government’s priority.” "We assure you that you are always on our minds. Each day, the DSWD has been thinking of ways how to help you," the President said. The President made this pronouncement during the distribution of Christmas gifts and packages to hundreds of members of indigenous people groups as well as to street children in Luneta Park. Malacañang said the President came up with the gift-giving activity, so some of his constituents can still feel the season despite the current challenges. "We conducted this event, at least, for Filipinos to feel the spirit of Christmas … and for us somehow to see that our future will be brighter than before," he said. The call of the President to make this season an opportunity to bond with family reflects on his desire for each one of us to give our loved ones the precious gift of time. He even went to the extent of declaring Dec. 26 a special non-working holiday to “give people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with families and loved ones.” This emphasis on the family is timely and relevant as we enter a post-pandemic world. To fully recover and gain what was lost, we must build from the ground up, planting new seeds of hope. The seeds will have to be nurtured by strong families. After all, a family is the most basic unit – and foundation – of a stable nation.