Tips for Celebrating Valentine's Day Long Distance

Love knows no boundaries, and distance should never impact the celebration of special moments. My husband, Cameron, and I faced the challenge of spending holidays apart during his year-long deployment in Poland. Despite the miles that separated us, we discovered creative ways to keep our love alive. From virtual date nights to sending packages - In this blog, I'll share our personal journey and offer tips for celebrating Valentine's Day long distance this year.

1. Virtual Date Night: Embrace the power of technology and plan a virtual date night. Use video calls to share a meal or even play online games. Cameron and I loved playing online games together while on the phone. This gave a sense of being together despite the distance.

2. Love Letters and Care Packages: Sending handwritten love letters and surprise care packages can bridge the emotional gap. Cameron and I exchanged letters and small gifts, making the distance feel a little less daunting. Consider including personal touches like photos, mementos, or favorite snacks to make your care packages extra special. I still remember when I woke up on Easter to flowers at the front door and a beautifully written note. This just shows no matter where you are in the world you can still make memories with the person you love.

3. Coordinate Movie or TV Show Nights: Create a shared movie night experience by watching the same film at the same time. Using streaming platforms like Netflix Party allow you to sync your viewing, providing a virtual movie date. It's a simple yet effective way to feel connected and enjoy a shared activity.

4. Online Games and Challenges: As I've mentioned before Cameron and I loved to play games together while he was deployed. We used to play Stardew, Among Us, and Jackbox games to keep us occupied. Whether it's a virtual game night or a shared fitness challenge, these activities add an element of fun and interaction to your relationship. It brought a ton of laughter, bickering, and excitement to our conversations.

5. Plan Future Visits: Countdowns to reunions can make the separation more bearable. Discuss and plan future visits, setting goals for when you'll be together again. This not only gives you both something to look forward to but also strengthens your commitment to navigating the distance.

6. Surprises: Create surprises for those special moments. Throughout the holidays spent apart from Cameron, the sweet moments of receiving thoughtful gifts or heartfelt letters served as reminders of his appreciation. I'd often send him money to explore and enjoy experiences beyond the base, and in return, he would surprise me with a dinner or coffee delivery. This helps create cherished memories that resonated across the miles.

7. Create Shared Playlists: Build a playlist of songs that hold significance for both of you. Share and update the playlist regularly, allowing it to become apart of your daily routine. Music has a great way of connecting hearts.

8. Online Workshops or Classes: Enroll in an online workshop or class together. Whether it's learning a new language, taking a cooking class, or exploring a shared interest, participating in activities together fosters growth and experiences.

Celebrating Valentine's Day from a distance is undoubtedly challenging, but with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of commitment, it's entirely possible to keep the flames of romance burning bright. My time spent apart from Cameron taught me that love isn't confined by distance; it's nurtured by the effort we put into staying connected. So, to all the couples facing a long-distance Valentine's Day, may your love overcome the miles and make the day as special as if you were side by side.