No Distance Too Far: How to Celebrate the Holidays in a Long-Distance Relationship

Ah, the holidays—when every movie screams romance, yet you’re stuck FaceTiming your partner instead of holding their hand under fairy lights.

Let’s be real—holidays in a long-distance relationship (LDR) can feel bittersweet, especially with around 75% of college students experiencing an LDR. But don’t worry: with some creativity, planning, and tech-savviness, you can turn those miles into meaningful moments. Here’s your guide to turning the miles into meaningful memories to keep your connection alive this holiday season.

1. Communication Beyond “Hey, How’s Your Day?”

Let’s face it: communication in an LDR is the make-it-or-break-it factor. But don’t let it get stale. Research shows that couples in LDRs who mix methods—texts, video calls, voice notes—report higher satisfaction, with 93% of couples keeping in touch with texts and 88% texting each other daily, followed by phone calls at 92% and video chat at 72%. The key? Keep it fun and unpredictable.

Go Voice Note Crazy: Imagine receiving random, goofy voice notes from your partner throughout the day. It’s intimate, goofy, and way better than “wyd.”

Video Calls with a Twist: Instead of just staring at each other, play a game, binge shows together, cook a meal together, or have a themed call (think: ugly sweater party via Zoom).

Create a Routine, But Keep It Flexible: A nightly check-in is great, but surprise lunchtime texts or weekend virtual coffee dates keep things exciting.

Pro Tip: Schedule virtual holiday dates, and don’t forget to dress to the nines—even if you’re only showing your top half. Use apps like Kast or Teleparty to co-stream movies, shows, or even holiday-themed playlists. Shared activities like these can deepen your emotional bonds.

2. Send Love Through the Mail (No, Amazon Doesn’t Count)

Gift-giving in LDRs is more about the thought than the price tag. Nothing beats receiving a heartfelt surprise in the mail. Physical distance doesn’t mean you can’t leave a lasting impression. Think creative, think extra.

Love Letters Are Back: Take a page from your grandparents—literally. Write letters about your favorite memories together. Bonus points for spritzing it with your perfume or cologne (nostalgia, unlocked!).

Virtual Gift Exchange: Arrange a call and open gifts together. Seeing their reaction live? Totally worth the time spent wrapping.

Create Something Unique: Collaborate on a holiday scrapbook or playlist. You can even consider making a care package full of small, thoughtful items for each other: their favorite snacks, a photo book, or even socks for their freezing feet. Studies show shared creative efforts enhance intimacy (source: "Creative Bonding in Relationships" [19†source]).

Gift Together (Virtually): Unwrap presents while on a call. Seeing their face light up when they open the gift you picked? Chef’s kiss.

DIY Ideas: Write down 12 reasons you love them, and package it as an advent calendar. It’s corny, sure, but in the best way possible. A study from Psychology Today found that although LDRs lack physical touch, couples often compensate with thoughtful gestures like sending letters or care packages, which help maintain a strong emotional connection. These acts provide a sense of closeness and show commitment, enhancing the relationship's emotional depth. Writing letters, for instance, encourages more emotional expression and gives both partners something to hold onto, creating unique, tangible reminders of affection.

3. Long-Distance Dates: Festive? You Betcha!

Gone are the days of boring “dinner and a movie” dates. With the holidays as your backdrop, here’s how to spice things up virtually:

Bake-Off Battle: Choose a recipe, cook it simultaneously over a call, and then judge each other’s creations. Think of it as your own Great LDR Bake Off. If you want to stay on theme, pick a Thanksgiving or Christmas recipe you have never tried before, and whip it up together over Zoom. Burnt pies? Even better—it’s a story for next year!

Holiday Showdown: Turn Trivia nights, or if you have the materials, you can turn decorating into a competition—gingerbread houses, ugly sweater designs, or tree ornaments. Winner gets to choose the next holiday activity (or the next Netflix binge *wink wink*).

Virtual Winter Wonderland Tour: Explore famous Christmas markets or snowy destinations together through virtual tours. You can even dream about visiting them in the future​.

4. Keep the Romance Real: Manage Those Expectations

The holidays come with a lot of emotional weight—nostalgia, pressure to make things perfect, and the inevitable Instagram envy. Here’s how to keep things grounded:

Acknowledge the Loneliness: It’s okay to miss each other. Being honest about your feelings fosters trust and strengthens emotional intimacy. Let your partner know you’re thinking of them, but also celebrate your individual holidays guilt-free. ​

Communicate Early: Plan your virtual hangouts and manage expectations. No one wants an “I thought we’d call today!” drama.

Set Realistic Goals: Don’t pack your schedule with endless virtual plans. Decide on a few meaningful moments and make them count.

Celebrate Small Wins: Did your partner surprise you with a morning text or remember your favorite Christmas song? Appreciate those gestures.

Conflict as Connection: Disagreements are inevitable, but how you handle them defines your bond. Focus on solutions, not blame. Remind each other of past challenges you’ve conquered together. “Remember when we survived six months apart? We can handle this too.”

Pro Tip: In the study Idealization, Reunions, and Stability in Long-Distance Dating Relationships, it was found that idealization plays a significant role in long-distance relationships (LDRs), with individuals often holding more idealized views of their partners when physically separated. This idealization, while initially enhancing emotional attachment, may lead to disappointment upon reunion if the couple's expectations do not match reality. The research highlights that couples who communicate openly about struggles and expectations are able to manage idealization, leading to healthier relationship dynamics and increased stability.

5. Future Planning: From Holidays to Happily Ever After

Nothing makes the distance feel smaller than planning for the future. Whether it’s a short-term visit or long-term goals, dreaming together keeps the hope alive. Psychologists also agree that setting shared goals fosters connection and keeps couples on the same page.

Plan Your Next Reunion: Even if it’s months away, having a date to look forward to can be a relationship game-changer.

Save Together for a Big Goal: Whether it’s a vacation or eventually closing the distance, setting a joint savings target builds teamwork.

Roleplay Your Future: Imagine yourselves 5 or 10 years down the line. What’s a typical holiday together like?

Create your own Holiday Traditions: Start something unique to you—like a New Year’s Eve video toast or an annual gift exchange theme.

Pro tip: Relationships thrive on shared growth and acknowledging the little (and big!) achievements, so emphasize growth-oriented (promotion-focused) behaviors within your relationship, and celebrate your achievements as a couple and discuss future aspirations.

6. Tech-Savvy Love: Tools to Keep You Close

Thanks to technology, being apart doesn’t mean being disconnected. Research from the journal Interpersona reveals that technology, such as video calling and text messaging, strengthens long-distance relationships by improving both communication and relationship satisfaction. Platforms like Skype have been shown to develop emotional connection by mimicking shared physical spaces, making them especially helpful for maintaining connection over distance. 

Apps for Couples: Try Couple for private chats or LoveNudge to track your partner’s love language preferences. Both apps are adorable, if you want to keep a virtual track record of your relationship so far. 

Shared Calendars: Use tools like Google Calendar to sync holiday plans, ensuring you never miss an important moment.

The “Dream Board” Date: Use Pinterest or an app to create a virtual vision board. Add images of future trips, your dream home, or career goals.

Learn Something Together: Take an online course, read the same book, or pick up a new language on Duolingo. Who knows? You might be saying “I love you” in French soon.

7. Fun and Games: Keep It Lighthearted

Sometimes, the best way to stay connected is to laugh together, because who says you need to be in the same room to celebrate together? The magic is in the memories you create, not the zip code you’re in. Here are some playful ways to make your holidays less heavy:

Holiday Truth or Dare: Lighten up video calls with fun challenges, like sharing childhood holiday memories or daring each other to sing festive songs.

Online Games: Compete in classics like Scrabble or go all out with multiplayer adventure games.

Holiday Pictionary: Grab a virtual whiteboard and get doodling. Who knew you were so bad at drawing Santa?

Story-time Challenge: Take turns writing paragraphs or ad-libing a holiday story. The sillier, the better.

Wrapping It Up (Pun Intended)

Long-distance relationships during the holidays don’t have to be all sighs and sulks. With a little effort, some creativity, and a dash of humor, you can make this season unforgettable for all the right reasons.

While others are snuggling by the fire, you don’t have to be stuck with FaceTime on a spotty connection and a teddy bear to keep you company. Distance doesn’t have to be the Grinch that steals your holiday magic. Whether it’s baking cookies over a video call, planning for your next in-person hug, or just laughing at each other’s ridiculous Christmas sweaters, remember: love doesn’t need proximity to thrive.

Distance may separate your bodies, but your hearts? They’re going to be closer than ever.

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