Long Distance Love: The holidays don't have to be lonely

It's that time of year again: holiday season. There are so many special days to celebrate all within a few months of each other: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's and a whole host of others. Believe me, I know that it can be tough to get into that holiday spirit when your significant other can't be with you.

While nothing can really replace physically having your partner there with you to celebrate the holidays, there are a number of things that you can do to make each and every special occasion work long distance style.

- Celebrate early or late. This year, my husband was away for Thanksgiving (which just so happens to be my favourite holiday), so instead of missing it, we celebrated early! Who cares if you have a full turkey dinner with all the fixin's on Labour Day weekend? If you really want to spend a certain holiday with your partner, it doesn't matter what calendar day you do it on — what matters is that you celebrate together.

- Spend holidays with your family or friends. It can be tempting to throw yourself a big pity party on holidays just because you're by yourself but that is never a good idea. Go to the big family dinner or make plans with your friends. Whatever you do, make sure to be around people who care about you and who make you happy. This will make getting through holidays on your own so much easier.

- Make time to talk to your partner on holidays. Make sure that when a special holiday rolls around when you can't actually be with your significant other that you set aside time that day to talk to each other. Even if it's a quick text or a five-minute phone call, taking the time to say "Happy New Year, I wish I could be there with you," will mean a lot to both of you.

- Do something for yourself. Do you have a holiday tradition that your partner was never really into, like watching a certain movie or putting up decorations? If you're spending a holiday without them, you have the perfect opportunity to be a little selfish. Do everything that you want to do to mark the occasion, instead of having to worry about what you both want to do. I, for instance, put up my Christmas decorations the day after Halloween this year, because there was no one around to say, "Don't you think it's a little early?"

I hope these tips help you make it through this festive time of year, even if that special someone can't be by your side.