[Spoken Word - Sleigh Bells]
So…
How long are we staying?
[Intro - Instrumental]
[Verse 1]
Walk in the door, hugs feel staged,
Same old jokes that never age.
Someone asks how work’s been going—
I say “good,” they stop listening.
The house smells like nostalgia and wine,
Every conversation’s a landmine.
I’ve barely set my coat aside,
And somehow I’m defending my entire life.
[Pre-Chorus]
I count the minutes, I fake a grin,
We haven’t even eaten yet—I’m already in it.
[Chorus]
Mistletoe and misery,
Smiles glued on artificially.
Peace on Earth, goodwill to men—
Just don’t ask me THAT again.
Mistletoe and misery,
Family love with conditions, please.
I’ll laugh, I’ll nod, I’ll disagree politely—
Merry Christmas, silently.
[Verse 2]
“So when are you having kids?”
“Have you tried praying more than this?”
“That haircut was a bold choice, huh?”
Thanks, Aunt Karen, you’re a ton of fun.
Old stories told like they’re brand new,
I swear I’ve heard this one since ’92.
Someone whispers, someone stares,
Someone airing grievances like holiday decor.
[Pre-Chorus 2]
I love them all, I really do—
But this room feels like emotional déjà vu.
[Chorus]
Mistletoe and misery,
Small talk cuts so invisibly.
Pass the plate, don’t pass advice,
This isn’t the time, this isn’t the night.
Mistletoe and misery,
Cheers to forced tranquility.
I’ll stay civil, I’ll stay bright—
Then decompress all damn night.
[Bridge]
Someone brings up politics—
I vanish to the bathroom quick.
Staring at myself in the mirror like,
“You can do this.
You’re almost free.”
[Final Chorus – emotional]
Mistletoe and misery,
Holiday love wrapped messily.
I show up, I try, I play my part—
Even when it weighs heavy on my heart.
Mistletoe and misery,
Family’s complicated, obviously.
I’ll survive this, just wait and see—
Merry Christmas…
Now please excuse me.
[Outro – Instrumental]
[Spoken Word – soft]
I love my family.
I really do.
I just also love going home.
TheTrinityOfMasks
