CHRISTMAS is truly in the air as the City Government of Cagayan de Oro welcomed the Yuletide season by lighting up the city hall and Gaston Park with hundreds of dancing colorful lights Tuesday night, December 1, 2020.

The City Government kicked off the start of the Christmas celebration with the ceremonial switching of the Symphony of Lights.

Unlike last year, there were no parade of "motorelas" decked in Christmas decorations and Christmas-themed marching bands due to quarantine restrictions.

"Taliwala nga naa kining limitations sa atong mobility as a result of the restrictions tungod niining pandemic, nangita kita'g pamaagi nga unta naa gihapo'y mga snippets of Christmas, mg signs of Christmas nga atong makita, atong ma feel," City Mayor Oscar Moreno said.

On Tuesday, Moreno signed two executive orders, wherein home restrictions were removed to those who are 15 years of age and over, and those who are over 60 years of age but not over 65 years old; and the curfew hour period in the city shortened from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

For his message, Moreno emphasized the importance of Christmas to the people, particularly the children.

"We know how special Christmas is to everyone of us, and di nato gusto nga atong batan-on mawala sa ilang huna-huna ang pasko kay importante kaayo ang Christmas and the spirit, the values that Christmas brings: healing, peace, tranquility, harmony, cooperation and caring for each other," Moreno said.

The city mayor added despite the challenges that the Kagay-anons are experiencing right now due to the pandemic, the City Government is still looking for ways to celebrate Christmas as "one community, as one people, guided by the spirit of Christ."

The Symphony of Lights at the city hall and Gaston Park will run every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from December 1 until the Chinese New Year.