So your boyfriend hails from California and your folks are back in Pennsylvania. As winter break looms ahead, you begin entering panic mode. After all, three to four weeks are a long time—but not to worry, collegiettes! There are ways to keep your romance alive. And while a month apart may seem like forever, it’s not even close. Apply these six tips to your long-distance relationship and you and your man will be back to peanut-butter-and-jelly status come January.
1. Write a handwritten love letter. And send it by mail
And no, not email, ladies. Actual snail mail. Crazy idea, we know. But honestly, think about it—the concept is adorable. Receiving a handwritten love letter in an envelope? Hello, every girl’s dream. Spritz your perfume on his letter, and he won’t forget your smell. Include a few holiday Hershey’s kisses with a little note attached: “P.S. Sorry I can’t kiss you at the moment, but I hope these suffice for the time being. :)”
2. Have Skype or FaceTime dates every Sunday
Both Skype and FaceTime are fantastic tools for couples who live far apart. And while it may not be the same as being together in person, being able to see and hear each other will significantly mend the heartache of being far apart. It’s important to set a schedule beforehand (once a week is reasonable)—it ensures both of your commitment, and it gives you both something to look forward to. Jazz it up by giving each other tours of your festive houses (“Aww, your tree looks so pretty!”).
3. Create a collage
Make your man an early Christmas present before you both leave for break—a photo collage! Bonus: it’s not time-consuming. piZap is a simple and easy tool for creating a collage, and there are tons of cute holiday-themed templates to choose from. Print out your collage and frame it. He’ll be touched by your thoughtful gift, and it’ll remind him of you over vacation!
4. Send him surprise cookies
The key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, collegiettes. He’ll love the tasty treats, and he’ll love you for thinking of him! This Christmas sampler box is cute and totally within your budget. A sweet Christmas cookie surprise will make his week, guaranteed.
5. Talk on the phone
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it seems like our generation has actually forgotten how to talk on the phone (sad, we know!). Texting’s great, but there’s nothing like having a two-hour conversation over the phone about anything and everything, from your mom burning the Christmas cookies to his epic snowman construction. You’ll have plenty of stories for him, and he for you. Spill your guts over the phone; it’s an underrated form of communication (and less maintenance than Skype, because you don’t have to get dolled up). P.S. If things heat up over the phone, great! That’s definitely a way to keep things spicy. And speaking of things heating up…
6. Pose as a sexy Santa/elf.
There’s nothing wrong with a little raciness from time to time. And this is a super fun challenge—dress up as the prettiest Santa he’ll ever see (or elf, if you’re looking to be a little less conventional) and take a photo to send to him via text or Snapchat. Go all out with sparkly hair and glamorous false eyelashes. Give your photo a flirty caption: “I’m your sexy Santa this Christmas. What can I bring you this year? ;)” He’ll be counting down the days to next semester.
Winter break can seem like a long time to be apart from your significant other, but it doesn’t have to be! Try out one of these tips and the break will fly by.