Verse 1 The table’s full, the candles glow, There’s a warmth in every seat. Stories starting, kids are laughing, Footsteps settling in a beat. And before the feast begins here, We take one quiet breath… For the hearts that made us who we are— Love that outlives every step. Pre-Chorus Every year the circle changes, But the roots still hold us tight… And the ones who shaped this moment Still shine in the firelight. Chorus So raise a glass… to the ones right here, To the laughter now and another year. But we save a place in our hearts tonight For the ones we love who stepped into the light. Here’s to where we’ve been and why we’re near— We’re giving thanks for the ones right here. Verse 2 There are recipes we follow, Handed down like treasured gold. Every flavor tells a story Of a hand we used to hold. Tonight feels a little bigger Than the dishes on display… It’s the echo of their kindness That still guides us every day. Pre-Chorus 2 All the moments we remember, All the love we carry on… Find a place around this table Even when someone is gone. Chorus So raise a glass… to the ones right here, To the laughter now and another year. But we save a place in our hearts tonight For the ones we love who stepped into the light. Here’s to where we’ve been and why we’re near— We’re giving thanks for the ones right here. Bridge We’re the chapters of a story They began so long ago… And the hope they planted in us Still grows everywhere we go. So we honor every memory As we celebrate this day— Love remains the greatest blessing That time cannot take away. Final Chorus (bigger, but gentler at the end) So raise a glass… to the ones right here, To the voices close and the hearts sincere. And to every soul who guided us Like lanterns through the years. Here’s to gratitude, to love held dear— We’re giving thanks for the ones right here… Final Line (the emotional landing) …and we raise one more for the ones not here.
