Nearly three quarters of UK adults are planning to celebrate the festive season with friends, a trend increasingly referred to as ‘Friendsmas’.
From cosy movie nights and Secret Santa exchanges to exploring Christmas markets, Brits are embracing a variety of holiday activities with their mates rather than family.
Reasons for enjoying festivities with friends over family is because it’s a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, while 24% love to express gratitude and appreciation for their friendships.
Less stress, avoiding family tensions and simply having more fun also topped the list.
Women, in particular, find ‘Friendsmas’ less stressful than traditional family Christmases. With over half claiming it to be less stressful, compared to 36% of men.
On average, individuals have been observing ‘Friendsmas’ for a decade with the same group of cherished friends. However, over half admit that as they age, finding time to reconnect with friends during the Christmas period becomes increasingly challenging.
The study was commissioned by Lily O’Brien’s chocolates, in collaboration with TV presenter Angela Scanlon, who commented: “Friendsmas has become a recognised moment in the seasonal calendar.
“It’s not just about celebrating; it’s about taking a moment out of the Christmas chaos to connect with the friends who feel like family the ones you really know.
“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.”
The top traditions for a ‘Friendsmas’ celebration include sharing secret Santa gifts, visiting Christmas markets and enjoying a movie marathon.
Home Alone, The Holiday and A Christmas Story are the go-to festive film choices for a night with friends. While the most popular songs played at ‘Friendsmas’ shindigs were ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard and Wham’s ‘Last Christmas.’
Angela shared her simple recipe for a memorable holiday season, adding: “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.”
