Tis' the season for winter wonderlands, riding in one horse open sleighs, and roasting chestnuts over an open fire. The holidays are all about celebrating and spending time with those who love you the most in your life, but what about when you physically cant be with the person you love?

Long distance relationships are difficult year round for a multitude of reasons, but they seem even more trying around the holiday season. When shopping you think about how you cant wait to see their face Christmas morning when they open your perfect present, then it hits you wont get to see them Christmas morning at all because they don't live in the same state as you. You dream about going to see all the Christmas lights with the light of your life and then out to a romantic Christmas eve dinner, then you remember that person lives across the world and theres no way they can come to do that. It breaks your heart not being able to spend these moments with the person you're closest to, and it can even take your holiday spirit away completely, but there is a way to combat that feeling.

I myself have been in a long distance relationship with someone for three years now. We met in high school and clicked instantly, but unfortunately they had to move back to their hometown with their family after graduation. The real kicker was, that hometown was in Germany. Since we have been together, we have missed spending every one of my birthdays, every Thanksgiving, every Christmas, every New Year, every Valentine's day, and every anniversary due to the fact I would only see them once a year over summer break. Now, missing those milestone dates can put a ton of strain on any relationship, whether It be long distance or not, but there is one think that really helps keep us together and going strong: communication.

Its at the top of every "Key Factors to a Relationship" list and for good reason. Tell them everything, always, and don't be afraid to not hold back. Tell them about your day and how you felt and what you thought and have them reciprocate. Without communication there is no trust and without trust there is no happiness and if you're not happy then why be in the relationship in the first place. If you get to see your long distance significant other often then tell them about things you want to do and places you want to go when you see them. If you don't get to see them as often, create a list. write down everything you want to do and see with them, write down all the christmas present and birthday presents you want to buy them and celebrate your own holidays and anniversaries whenever you can. My anniversary is early April but that didn't stop us from celebrating with a fancy dinner when I saw them again in late June.

I know it stings actually missing the real dates, but just communicate with them how you feel and then work to come up with a solution together. Trust me, communication, especially during the holiday season, has the potential to save any relationship.