The holidays are a wonderful time of year: no exams, all-you-can-eat Christmas cookies, holiday lights, Christmas music on the radios, cards from your friends, and presents under the tree. Seeing your family and high school friends is always a treat, but that doesn’t stop you from missing your college besties and your significant other during the festivities.
Thankfully, Christmas break is only three weeks. You’ll be caught up on Netflix and bored shortly after the end of your first week home and you’ll probably be fairly annoyed by your siblings around then, too. But, three weeks can feel like a long time away from someone you usually get to see everyday. I understand, my boyfriend is now working in Denver, so I only see him every 4-5 weeks or so. Here are the best ways I have found to cope with missing him while we’re apart, especially during the holidays.
1. Thoughtful Texts
Sure, you probably text all the time, but how often do you take the time to write out a thoughtful message? It doesn’t have to be long, but an extra special I love you can go a long way. One of my favorite things to do is send a long message with reasons why I love my boyfriend and thank yous for everything he does after he’s gone to sleep. In the morning, he gets to wake up to a sweet message and it’s a great way for him to start his day.
2. Skype
Where would we be without Skype? This is a great way to chat with each other at the end of the night. It’s more intimate than a phone call, and getting to see your S.O. laugh when you make a bad pun will make them feel closer.
3. Countdown
I’m not a numbers person, but I do like knowing that every passing day brings us closer to seeing each other. There are a million great apps for this. I currently use one called Countdown. You could also make a cute mini tear off calendar of post-its with the number of days until you’re reunited.
4. Knowing when to say goodbye
This one probably sounds counterintuitive, but know when to say goodbye for a few hours. If you’re going out to dinner with your relatives or grabbing a pint with friends, tell them you’ll check in later. Focus on enjoying your time with people that you don’t get to see much. That way you’ll have more to talk about with your S.O. and the people in your life will feel more appreciated because you gave them your undivided attention.
5. Decide when and how you’re doing Christmas/Hanukkah
As I’ve previously written about here, my boyfriend is Jewish. My parents typically get him a Hanukkah gift and I usually get him a card or something small. His mom used to send me something silly in his Hanukkah care package, but we usually do our main gift exchange for Christmas, once we’re reunited. We’ve done it before Christmas, too, it’s just important to decide when you’re exchanging gifts as a couple and if you’ll be together when you open each other’s gifts.
6. Travel
If possible, it’s always great if one of you can travel to see the other over break. My boyfriend and I usually make travel plans several months in advance, because one of us has to get on a plane, but it’s always one of the highlights of my break.
7. Do stuff together
This one takes some planning, but it’s great if you can find a way to incorporate something you and your S.O. do together while you’re apart. One of the easier things to do is to both sit down to watch a certain TV show at the same time. You can text about what’s happening during an episode or talk about it as soon as it’s over, this also works with movies, baking, and other activities.
8. Bring a piece of each other with you
This can be something symbolic, something of your S.O.’s, or something you’ve been given by them. I have a teddy bear that my boyfriend gave me before he went to Honduras the summer between our sophomore and junior years, which I always bring home with me. It’s something that reminds me of him and makes me happy.
9. Talk on the phone
Skyping every night probably isn’t practical, but talking on the phone is easy. Call each other around bedtime, even if it’s just a short conversation to say goodnight. If you’re separated for New Year’s, a midnight phone call is almost as nice as a kiss.
10. Have fun
This one is all about you. Go out and have fun! Stay busy and the time will past faster. Binge on a TV show, read a book (or three), cook dinner for your family, grab coffee with your friends, take a walk, build a snowman…do things that make you happy! Your S.O. will be glad you’re enjoying yourself and they’ll feel free to have a good time, too!
These are just a few of my favorite strategies for making separation easier. Be sure to enjoy yourself over break. It’s ok to miss each other, but try not to let it get you down. Hugs and kisses over text will never compare to the real things, but “I love you” means just as much when you’re apart as they do when you’re together.