[Verse 1] Ten winters folded into your arms, Lasagna bubbling on the stove, stray charms, Your wool coat hangs by the front door—one button gone, You hum that old carol as you wipe the dawn. [Chorus ] Merry Christmas, Mr. Pepper — you’re my steady light; Ten winters later, you make every dark feel bright. Hold my mittened hand, feel the hush of falling snow, With you, every small ordinary moment grows. [Verse 2] Steam from mugs and a dented coffee cup, your grin, The porch light’s on because you never leave it dim. We laugh about burnt pies and the garland we misplace, You tuck my scarf, press a kiss on the corner of my face. [Pre-Chorus ] Soft footprints on the path, our names in the frost, Every little memory matters, nothing’s truly lost. [Chorus ] Merry Christmas, Mr. Pepper — you’re my steady light; Ten winters later, you make every dark feel bright. Hold my mittened hand, feel the hush of falling snow, With you, every small ordinary moment grows. [Bridge ] Remember that midnight on Ninth when the power slipped away? You found candles in the closet and turned the night to day. Your laughter filled the kitchen while the lasagna caught a crown, We ate it by candlelight and promised never to slow down. [Verse 3 — quiet] The creak of our old chair, your sketchbook on the floor, The way you trace out stories from the footprints at our door. Ten years of tiny rituals—coat hooks, a favorite song, A thousand gentle reasons why with you is where I belong. [Final Chorus — soaring] Merry Christmas, Mr. Pepper — you’re my steady light; Ten winters later, you make every dark feel bright. We’ll hang our wishes on the tree, let the strings of laughter grow, Step into the new year slow and sure, together as we go. [Outro — tender repeat] Merry Christmas, Mr. Pepper — one more quiet line, Here’s to warm mornings, to small delights, and to your hand in mine. [Arrangement Notes] - Primary: fingerpicked acoustic guitar, warm and intimate. - Pad: soft piano chords under the verses for depth. - Subtle strings swell on the final chorus for emotional lift. - Tempo: slow to moderate (≈72–80 BPM). Vocal: close, breathy, heartfelt.