With the holiday season in full swing being far away from your significant other can be difficult. However, by planning some simple dates waiting becomes easier and the distance does seem so great.

1. Make dinner together

This one takes a little planning, but once you make sure each of you has all of the necessary ingredients cooking together can be fun. Just make a video call, setup your significant other somewhere where you can see one another and cook away!

2. Order the same takeout

This idea is great when neither of you wants to cook, or if you personally want to treat your significant other. It's really easy to order it for them and have it delivered.

3. Watch a movie together

This one can be done while video chatting or just IMing. Either watch the same movie as it plays on TV or use services like Rabb.it and LetsGaze to watch movies or TV shows synced together in real time.

4. Play a game

Lots of games like Scrabble and Uno have online versions. While they can be slightly more problematic than the physical, game they are a nice alternative when you need something to do.

5. Read together

If either of you is a bookworm this one is perfect. You can either read the same book and have your own little book club or chill together while reading different books. Either option is relaxing and great for conversation.

6. Plan a visit

When you’re really missing your significant other this is a great idea, and it makes the wait until you get to see them again a little bit easier. Talking about activities that you will do, and even looking up restaurants or events going on allows you to look forward to all of the fun you will have.

7. Create a playlist

Playlists are great because you can listen to them as often as you want. They can be full of love songs or fun songs. Regardless, they are great when you just want to relax and think about your special someone.

8. Take a nap

This is one of my favorite things to do. Video calling just to take a nap doesn’t really compare to actually taking a nap together, but there is something cozy about making time just to fall asleep together. That, and waking up and seeing them even in pixel form is still pretty great.

9. Study date

As a student these are great. Productivity and time together. What could be better? (Warning: these could easily turn into procrastination dates).

10. Just talk

The thing about long distance relationships is not everything needs to be planned. You don’t get to enjoy the small things as much as couples who live near each other do, so taking time to video chat and update one another on the day is a perfectly acceptable date.

Long distance relationships suck sometimes, and the holidays can be particularly difficult. However, date nights don't have to be complicated, and they make the distance a little bit easier.