Tinsel and Truth

Snow keeps falling on the avenue,

Choirs in the windows sing in twos.

You said you'd meet me under winter lights,

But someone else was written in your eyes.

Garlands on the doorframe, laughter down the street

Funny how the brightest nights can bruise so deep.

I kept the faith like a candle in the storm,

Didn't see the shadow where I thought was warm.

Merry bells, lonely heart-what a strange duet,

Your silver words were promises I won't forget.

But I won't fall the same way, not again tonight

I'm tying up the tinsel with a brand‑new light.

I loved you through the cold, now I love me too

This Christmas, I won't break the way I did for you.

Photos on the mantle, cider on the stove,

Everybody dancing in their heavy coats.

I used to hear our future in the sleigh‑bell chime,

Now I hear a rhythm that is only mine.

Footprints on the sidewalk fading into blue

Every step away from you is something true.

I stitched the cracks with honest words I owe,

Softly telling myself what I needed to know.

Merry bells, lonely heart-what a strange duet,

Your silver words were promises I won't forget.

But I won't fall the same way, not again tonight

I'm tying up the tinsel with a brand‑new light.

I loved you through the cold, now I love me too

This Christmas, I won't break the way I did for you.

I'm fragile, yes but learning how to stand,

No paper crown, just steady open hands.

If hope is real, it doesn't need disguise

It looks you in the eye and never lies.

Merry bells, stronger heart hear the chorus rise,

I'm stepping out from underneath your alibis.

I won't fall the same way; I have paid my dues

I'm wrapping up the past and cutting loose.

I loved you through the cold, now I love me too

This Christmas, I choose the truth, and I choose me too.

Snowlight on the pavement, midnight turning new

I'm walking home in peace, without the weight of you.