A staggering three-quarters of UK adults plan to reunite with friends this holiday season, embracing the increasingly popular tradition of ‘Friendmas’.
From cozy movie nights to Secret Santa gift exchanges and visits to festive Christmas markets, Brits are opting for a range of fun activities with pals over family gatherings.
According to a recent survey, many find celebrating Christmas with friends to be a more relaxed affair, free from the tensions that can come with family get-togethers. Women, in particular, find ‘Friendmas’ to be a less stressful alternative to traditional family Christmases.
The survey found that on average people have been celebrating ‘Friendsmas’ with the same close-knit group for a decade, with 33% marking the occasion with childhood friends.
However, over half admit that as they age, finding time to catch up with friends during Christmas becomes increasingly challenging.
Most Brits have to start planning their Christmas gatherings as early as October as they struggle to fit in a catch-up due to clashing social, work and family commitments.
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TV presenter Angela Scanlon, who has teamed up with Lily O’Brien’s chocolates, has shared her top tips on elevating your ‘Friendsmas’.
Angela points out that the purpose of the event is to connect with friends who feel like family and without feeling obligated to traditions.
Speaking about what sort of activities she enjoys with her friends she said: “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 nice and early. 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. Crank up the ‘festivity’
Encourage everyone to arrive in their tackiest, most outrageous Christmas jumpers, and then turn it into a mini fashion show. Or introduce a fun theme to jazz up your Secret Santa think “re-gift roulette” or “sexy surprise”.
3. What’s a party without a fab spread?
When it comes to menu-planning, keep things simple with comforting festive snacks, like sausage roll wreaths or charcuterie trees.
For a simple yet impressive dessert, rustle up a Pinterest-worthy sharing board brimming with fruits, nuts and pastries, topped off with a selection of scrumptious chocolates.
4. A shared playlist
If your mates are anything like mine, they’ll have strong views on the tunes. In our group WhatsApp, I give my gang a chance to suggest songs for the playlist.
No rules, no judgement. If it’s requested, it gets played.
Everyone gets access to the playlist afterwards.
5. Switch off and be present
Whether you’re playing host or just attending a Friendsmas bash, take this time to disconnect from all the festive season stress. Be in the moment, ditch your phone at the door and focus on catching up and appreciating the pals around you.