President Marcos has urged Filipinos to treasure their time with their families and loved ones, especially their children, as he highlighted that Christmas meant a lot to them.

Marcos said this as he led the tree-lighting tradition in Malacañan on Saturday evening, Nov. 25.

"In this season of reflection, let us treasure the time we get to spend with our families and loved ones– especially the children, for whom Christmas holds true magic," he said.

"The innocence that they (the children) bring to these festivities really… The expression I'm tempted to use is it blows out the cobwebs in your brain and in your heart and gives you a fresh start for the next year," he added.

Due to the sudden rain, the program for the tree-lighting ceremony in Malacañan moved inside the Palace, where performers such as Jose Mari Chan serenaded the First Family, other government officials and employees, and children.

While the weather did not cooperate with the Palace tradition, the President said this should not dampen the Filipino people's Christmas spirit.

"A little rain couldn't stop our tree-lighting tradition at Malacañan!" Marcos wrote.

Meanwhile, President Marcos recognized how Filipinos are known for their Christmas traditions.

"Christmas in the Philippines — we have gained a reputation around the world for celebrating Christmas with more fervor than most other countries," he said.

"I think that that is a good thing because I think, all of us Filipinos, we take Christmas as a time for reflection and a time for — to spend with your friends, your family, your loved ones and, of course, to watch the children," he added.