Break up or work on relationship??

Jane
So I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend for about a year and a half now, and in the past couple of weeks it hasn't really seemed right. We've always had such a relaxed relationship where we just love hanging out together, have a good sexual relationship, text every day and generally just know that we both care about each other. 
But lately it seems like everything has just gotten a lot harder, it doesn't seem like he cares as much and that makes me feel more distant towards him. I brought it up with him the other day that it seems like things have been weird with us lately, and he said that things aren't always going to be perfect and that we've just moved past the whole 'honeymoon' stage of the relationship where we both try to impress each other.
So I was kind of reassured by this, but then he brought it up again a few days later and said that he's sort of nervous about us, because he's moving a bit further away, and we won't see each other much over Christmas and New Years when we will both go back to our different hometowns to be with our families. When he said this, i said that if we want it enough we will be able to make it work (he's only moving about a half hour drive away because we are going to different unis). He just thinks that now we've been together for a while things should be easier and we shouldn't have to put in so much effort to see each other.
Anyway, we are trying to make it work but my question is: 
Should we keep working on this or are we just not in love with each other anymore (would it be better in the long run to end things now)? 
I know I don't want the relationship to end, but just wanting other opinions on if this sounds like a relationship that could be good again? 
Any comments would be great thanks!
Sorry for the long explanation!