How to Make the Holiday Special When You're Far from Your Partner
Holidays are times when you want to be closer to your loved one. But if you find yourself apart, you can create a cozy solo time or have a unique online date.
Here's how to make your holiday interesting and varied if your loved one isn't nearby.
Why It's Important to Stay Connected During the Holidays
The holiday season is often busy: buying gifts, planning the menu, decorating the house. Amidst all this hustle, it's essential to maintain a connection with your dear one. Here are five reasons why:
- Shared Memories— Holidays stand out more than ordinary days, so you naturally want to share them. Try to spend time together online to create shared memories.
- Common Emotions— Sharing experiences enhances joy and allows you to share important moments with your loved one.
- Support— Holidays aren't just about lifting spirits; they can also bring stress. It's vital to care for each other and offer support during this time.
- Traditions— If you cherish traditions and engage in them annually, don't forget them even from afar. Holiday rituals help you feel closer and create a warm atmosphere.
- Festive Mood— Communication with someone you care about makes the holiday more vibrant and helps set the right mood.
How Not to Feel Lonely During the Holidays
Not everyone enjoys being alone, especially during the holidays. Here are some simple tips to help you feel more comfortable on this day.
Planning Your Day
If you know you'll be spending the holiday alone, it's better to plan it in advance. Include activities you enjoy, whether it's yoga, binge-watching series, or clay modeling, and enjoy your time solo. A clear plan will make your day more fulfilling and keep boredom at bay.
Things to Do Alone:
- Put together a puzzle,
- Paint by numbers,
- Have a spa day for your pets,
- Cook something you've wanted to try,
- Go shopping,
- Organize your wardrobe,
- Have a workout,
- Watch a series,
- Enjoy a beauty treatment.
Creating an Atmosphere
Take time for decor and home coziness — such small touches can lift your spirits and improve your emotional well-being. Look for ideas in advance or use simple options: string lights or light a few candles. A festive atmosphere will help you feel comfortable and make your solo time more enjoyable.
Exercise
Extra free time is a great opportunity to focus on your physical health. Exercise improves well-being and helps relieve stress. Whether it's strength training, stretching, or relaxing yoga, choose something you enjoy for an energy boost all day.
Video Calls
To share the holiday with your partner, plan for a video call. A simple chat with your loved one helps feel warmth and closeness despite the distance.
Surprise From a Distance
Think of ways to surprise your partner. You might write a sweet message, create a photo collage, or give a real gift. Conveniently order a surprise from a marketplace and have it delivered. When your loved one is happy, those emotions will spread to you too.
8 Creative Ideas for Spending Time Together Apart
To arrange a date from a distance, unleash your creativity. We've gathered eight interesting options for a fun and romantic time.
Secret Santa Game
If you're celebrating the holidays apart, this game can bring everyone together and create shared memories. Each player gets the name of someone to secretly gift a present. Traditionally, everyone gathers in one place to receive gifts, but for a remote version, you can send gifts via delivery and set up a group call to open them together.
It's easiest to organize this game using the MySanta service — it offers features both for first-timers and those who play Secret Santa every year.
- Quick Draw— No need to manually match "Santa-recipient" pairs or delegate this task. The platform conducts a quick draw and provides personal links with the results.
- Wishlist— The platform helps you share wishes with Santa and shows what your recipient dreams about, ensuring everyone gets a gift they'll love.
- Anonymous Chat— If you get someone you're not familiar with, you can ask questions in an anonymous chat. Your identity remains undisclosed while you gather all the info you need.
- Telegram Bot— Manage the game directly from your phone using the Telegram bot.
Online Games
If you and your partner enjoy board games, this is the option for you. Suggest playing online battleship, checkers, or other games. There are many services and apps available for both computers and smartphones.
Movie Nights
An unbeatable choice for a cozy evening together. Coordinating a movie or show watch is easy even when you're far apart: just pick something both of you like and start it at the same time. Discuss the film using your favorite messaging app—a quick and convenient way to share impressions. For an even simpler setup, use dedicated services like WPARTY, which allow synchronized playback and provide an easy chatting option.
How to Organize:
- Pick a movie to watch.
- Choose a convenient platform such as WPARTY or Gowo TV.
- Ensure the movie you want is available there.
- Create a profile if needed.
- Share the link with your partner.
Virtual Tours
To explore something new without leaving home, take a virtual tour with your partner. The Google Arts & Culture platform offers tours of museums, exhibits, and cultural artifacts in at least 80 countries. Find a journey to your liking—from Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's home to the Egyptian pyramids.
Service Facts and Figures:
- The first project was launched in 2011,
- Over 200,000 high-resolution digital copies of artworks are available,
- 7 million artifacts from museum collections,
- More than 1,800 virtual halls to "stroll" through,
- Around 3,000 online exhibits.
Online Quizzes
A great way to learn more about each other and have fun. Find interesting quizzes to take simultaneously, sharing results along the way. These could be fun options like "Which Harry Potter Character Are You" or various personality tests.
Modeling Clay Date
If you're into creative dates, this idea is perfect for you. To organize a clay model date, get some air-dry clay in advance and prep a spot for sculpting. Gather ideas on Pinterest—whether it’s adorable kittens or superheroes. Pick designs and create figures together—the process and results will surely brighten your mood.
Cooking One Dish
Cooking brings people together and creates a cozy atmosphere, making a virtual cooking date a fantastic idea. Pick a recipe you both like and agree on, start cooking together. Whether it’s a simple pasta or a complex dessert, the main thing is to enjoy a delightful and heartfelt time together.
What to Cook Before the Holidays:
- Christmas — gingerbread cookies, cupcakes, roast duck with oranges, bread;
- Valentine's Day — heart-shaped pizza, cinnamon rolls;
- Easter — traditional Easter treats, macaroon pie, cheesecake;
Creating a Shared Playlist
Music is a great way to pass the time. Suggest creating a shared playlist with your partner to enjoy favorite tracks together. Add themed songs for the holidays or just tunes you both love. You'll learn more about each other's tastes and find plenty of conversation starters.
Conclusion
Even if you and your partner are spending the holidays apart, there's no reason to be sad. Use this time to try new things together and create shared memories—this way, you can feel closer to one another.