4 Ways to Handle a Long Distance Relationship Over College Winter Break

It’s a well-known fact that long distance relationships are difficult. Although they’re hard, LDRs are necessary when a couple wants to go separate ways for work or school but still be together. Luckily, we’re living in the 21st century, so couples can text, call, and use apps like FaceTime or Skype to talk to each other whenever they want.

But while technology helps, it still doesn’t really make up for the fact that your sweetheart isn’t by your side. Long distance relationships can be extra hard during special times, like birthdays, anniversaries, and the holidays. There’s nothing better than being with your significant other during these times, but life doesn’t always work out that way. If you’re going to be away from your special someone this winter break, don’t stress! There are ways to handle your LDR over the holidays without going nuts, so read on.

1. Long Distance Relationship-Themed Advent Calendar

A holiday tradition for many, advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days before Christmas. To incorporate your relationship into an advent calendar, you could include photos, mementos, love letters, and little heartfelt gifts. Depending on your level of creativity, you could either DIY an advent calendar, or simply buy an LDR-themed calendar and customize it. Either way, it’s the thought that counts!

2. Holiday Movie Netflix Dates

Winter break is a great time to catch up on your TV shows, and since it’s the holiday time, why not throw in a few holiday movies? To involve your boyfriend or girlfriend in a holiday movie marathon, set a time and date where both of you can be on Netflix together, and pick a couple movies to watch! You can even Skype or Facetime while you watch. Even though it’s not as great as being right next to each other on the couch, it’s pretty darn close.

3. Snail Mail

Okay, I know I said that we’re in the 21st century, and technology is a great thing for long distance relationships, but that doesn’t mean that we should forget about snail mail. Writing and receiving letters can be incredibly romantic, because you’re taking the time to put your thoughts down on paper, and then waiting for your sweetheart’s response (swoon). The only thing better than getting a love letter is getting one by surprise. Take some time this winter break to send your significant other a couple of surprise letters! This simple gesture could make their whole week.

4. Holiday Care Package

Similar to snail mail, care packages are a fun way to surprise your special guy or girl by putting a bunch of their favorite things inside a box. Big box, little box, doesn’t matter; all that matters is what’s inside. Care packages are all about creativity (and if you’re not the most creative person in the world, don’t worry! Pinterest has your back) and they’re lots of fun to make. To make a holiday-themed package, some ideas could be: wrapping the package like a Christmas gift, big bow and all, including some ornaments and garland, and using lots of red and green (or blue and white for Hanukkah).