Long-Distance Love During the Holidays: Staying Close While Apart
The holidays are tricky, aren’t they? Everyone else is talking about meeting up with their loved ones, decorating together, and planning big dinners. Meanwhile, you’re trying to figure out when you and your partner can talk or message each other. Been there. It’s not easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to feel close—even when the distance feels bigger than usual.
In our guide, here are some ways to make the most out of the holidays even if your partner is away whether for work or a long-distance relationship.
Don’t Wing It—Plan Your Calls
Let’s start with the obvious: communication. The holidays get busy fast. Between family stuff, work, and everything else, it’s so easy to let time slip by. I remember one year when my partner and I didn’t plan ahead. Before we knew it, it had been four days since we talked, and honestly, it didn’t feel great.
The fix? Set a time. It doesn’t have to be a big deal—just agree on when you’ll catch up. One December, we decided to call each other every night around 9 p.m. Sometimes it was a quick “How was your day?” Other times, it turned into an hour-long chat about random things. Either way, it helped us feel connected, even if everything else felt chaotic.
Send Something That Feels Personal
Here’s a little secret: it’s not about the price tag. It’s about showing that you thought about them. One year, I sent my partner a package filled with little things: their favorite candy, a photo of us from our last trip, and a card where I actually wrote down what I missed about them. They told me later it was the best gift they’d gotten that year.
If you’re stuck on ideas, think about what makes them smile. Is it something practical, like a scarf they’d use every day? Or maybe something silly, like an ornament that looks like their favorite animal? It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel like you.
Make New Traditions—Even If They’re Messy
Traditions don’t have to be fancy. One year, my partner and I decided to bake cookies at the same time while we video called. Let me tell you, it was a disaster. I forgot the sugar, they burned half the batch, and we spent more time laughing than baking. But you know what? It’s still one of my favorite holiday memories.
Other ideas? Watch the same holiday movie and text each other your favorite parts. Or put together a shared playlist of songs that remind you of the season—and each other. These small traditions might not look like the ones you grew up with, but they’re yours, and that’s what matters.
Be Part of Each Other’s Holidays
Even if you can’t be there in person, you can still be part of the celebration. One year, I called my partner during their family’s Christmas dinner just to say hi to everyone. It was loud and a little awkward, but it meant a lot to both of us.
You can flip it too—invite them into your world. Send them a quick video of your family decorating the tree or a photo of the holiday lights in your neighborhood. Little moments like these help you both feel like you’re sharing the season, even if you’re not in the same place.
Look Forward to What’s Next
Here’s something that always helped me: having a plan. Knowing when we’d see each other next made the distance feel a little less overwhelming. One year, we started a countdown. Every morning, we’d text each other the number of days left until our next visit. It became this tiny ritual that made us both smile.
If you haven’t set a date yet, talk about it. Even if it’s months away, having something on the calendar can make a huge difference. And while you’re at it, dream a little. What will you do when you’re finally together again? Maybe it’s a quiet weekend at home or a belated holiday dinner. Whatever it is, hold onto it.
It’s Okay to Feel What You’re Feeling
Let’s be honest: being apart during the holidays is hard. It’s okay to miss them. It’s okay to feel a little jealous of couples who get to spend the season together. And it’s definitely okay to talk about it. Some of the best conversations I’ve had with my partner have been when we’ve admitted how much we hate the distance. Weirdly enough, those moments brought us closer.
At the same time, don’t forget to focus on the good stuff. Tell them what you appreciate about them or what you’re looking forward to. Even on the hardest days, finding one thing to celebrate can make a big difference.
Love Isn’t About Proximity
Relationships can be tough, especially long-distance ones and around the holidays can get lonely without your special person near. Love is about showing up for one another and being there. Remember that despite distance you can still show each other you care no matter how far away you are!
