Nearly three-quarters of Brits plan to celebrate the holiday season with their friends, a tradition increasingly referred to as ‘friendsmas’.
These gatherings often involve simple activities such as Christmas movie nights, Secret Santa gift exchanges, and visits to Christmas markets, which many Brits prefer to enjoy with friends rather than family.
According to the survey, people find spending Christmas with friends to be more relaxed and an easy way to avoid family tensions. Women in particular find ‘friendsmas’ to be less stressful than a traditional family Christmas.
The study was commissioned by Lily O’Brien’s chocolates, who have collaborated with TV presenter Angela Scanlon to offer her top tips on how to have the best ‘Friendsmas’.
Angela said: “It gives us a chance to relax, share laughs, and create new memories outside of the traditional obligations. Plus, it’s the perfect time to reflect and appreciate the friendships that help us through the year.”
On average, people have been celebrating Friendsmas with the same group of close friends for 10 years, with 33 per cent still marking the occasion with friends from their childhood.
However, more than half of those surveyed admit that as they get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to catch up with friends during the Christmas season. Because of various commitments, many friendship groups find themselves organising a time for ‘friendsmas’ as early as October.
Angela shared: “For me, the recipe is simple it’s spending quality time at home with my favourite people no pretences, no pretension. Fire on, filter off, plenty of comfort food, good music and a serious spread of sweet treats.”
“When it comes to entertainment, I like to throw in a bit of surprise, whether it’s an unexpected theme or a cheeky twist on a traditional Christmas game. It’s all about keeping guests on their toes.”
ANGELA SCANLON’S TOP TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE FRIENDSMAS:
1. Make time for your tribe
The festive season can be hectic, so schedule a date in the diary well in advance. It’ll give you something to look forward to, and ensures you’ll get that quality time before the Christmas chaos fully sets in.
2. Dial up the ‘merriment’
Encourage everyone to arrive in their most outrageous Christmas jumpers, and then turn it into a mini fashion show. Or add a fun theme to liven up your Secret Santa consider “re-gift roulette” or “sexy surprise”.
3. What’s a party without a fab spread?
When planning the menu, opt for easy and comforting festive snacks, like sausage roll wreaths or charcuterie trees.
For a simple yet effective dessert, create a Pinterest-worthy sharing board using fruits, nuts and pastries, along with a selection of delicious chocolates.
4. A shared playlist
If your friends are anything like mine, they’ll have strong views on music choices. In our group WhatsApp, I give my mates a chance to share songs to be added to a playlist. No rules, no judgement. If it’s requested, I play it.
Everyone gets access to the playlist afterwards.
5. Switch off and be present
Whether you’re playing host or attending a Friendsmas gathering, use the time to switch off from all the festive season stress. Be present in the moment, leave your phone at the door and focus on catching up and appreciating the friends around you.