"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas..."

One of my favorite things these past few weeks has been pandora.com. If you've never used the site, here's what it does: you type in a song title, or an artist that you like, and its genius insides figure out other songs/artists you might like, based on the musical and sound qualities of the first song/artist. For a seasonal example, I typed in "Mannheim Steamroller (holiday)" and listened for hours to artists like Jim Brickman and David Lanz (and, of course, Mannheim Steamroller). When I typed in "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee," I got a priceless collection of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Burl Ives, even the Beach Boys. Oh, and of course Bing Crosby on the old family favorite. 

Hubby and I are packing things up and heading north (where, incidentally, they're expecting snow by tomorrow) after he gets home from work tonight. We'll be staying with his folks, so I'll get to experience first-hand his family at Christmastime. I'm excited! There's nothing like joining a new family and learning new traditions. 

However, I have to admit that I hope we'll find enough time with my family to sneak in the traditional viewing of our old family favorite. There's also the tradition of the Christmas-lights-viewing driving tour on Christmas Eve. And the Christmas morning stocking opening. 

I have to say, I'm not really sure how things are going to work this Christmas. Hubby and I have been sharing Christmas with each other for seven years, it seems like it should be a piece of cake. But this is the first Christmas we'll be married. Its not just ME trying to figure out how much time I can spend at HIS house. Its US, trying to distribute OUR time to both homes equally. I want to be there for all of my family's traditions, but I don't think I will. It makes me a little sad. I guess compromise is what marriage is about. 

Even so... you better believe Hubby will be getting his fill of Danny and Bing!