A long time from

[Xavier da Silva]

Hello everyone,


Are the uses of "a long time from" below idiomatic/common? If not, what do you suggest? Please take a look.

a. Our celebration is a long time from Christmas so it's possible to prepare everything as they will only come here at Christmas.
b. Brazilian Carnival is a long time from Independence Day. I think we'll be able to organize and plan things well.

Meaning intended: separated by a large time distance, nowhere near.

Thank you in advance!

 

[xyzyxx]

I think "a long time from" makes sense in this context, but it would be much better if you can specify the direction of time.
In other words, use "way after" or "way before" or "much later" or "much earlier"