Three in 10 adults will celebrate Friendsmas this year – with December 20 the most popular day for it.
The occasion sees friends celebrate Christmas with one another – often on a different day and in addition to the traditional family gathering.
And research of 2,000 adults who partake in Yuletide found Friendsmas is particularly popular among Gen Z, with 45 per cent set to mark it this year.
More than a third (34 per cent) put it on a par with Christmas Day itself when it comes to which of the two they prefer.
With 11 per cent of Gen Z revealing they prefer Friendsmas to their traditional family celebration - double the number of Boomers (five per cent).
Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of those who celebrate it, consider the occasion to be “more important” than other festive traditions like putting up Christmas lights or Secret Santa.
The most appealing aspects of Friendsmas are having fun and socialising (49 per cent) and enjoying good food (48 per cent).
But 16 per cent see it as an escape and a chance to enjoy a festive celebration free from the stress of family, while 16 per cent like it because they can find out the latest gossip.
Caitlin Hoey, senior brand manager for ASK Italian [https://www.askitalian.co.uk/christmas] which commissioned the research to highlight its "Full-on Friendsmas" offering, said: “Friendsmas has become one of the most anticipated dates on the festive calendar, with many people searching for the perfect place to gather and celebrate with friends.
“Friendsmas isn’t just Christmas with friends, it’s that mix of personalities in our closest circle: the friend who gives the solid advice, the one who brings the laughs, and the one who’s always ready to spill a bit of tea.
"Our research found it’s what makes the season full on festive.”
It emerged those who celebrate Friendsmas have done so for nine years on average.
In comparison to what many are likely to spend on Christmas Day, Friendsmas spends are relatively modest – £65 on average.
Yet 47 per cent of those taking part this year admit that agreeing on a date has been “challenging.”
Reasons why include busy festive schedules with multiple commitments (43 per cent) and finding a day which works for everyone (27 per cent).
Typically enjoying it with five other pals – mates they know from work (50 per cent), school (38 per cent), and university (37 per cent), proves it’s not just a fleeting trend but a firmly established tradition for many.
The most popular things to do on the day include going out for a meal (51 per cent), having Secret Santa (26 per cent) and enjoying Christmas-themed games (23 per cent).
Other traditions include visiting Christmas Markets (22 per cent), enjoying a festive movie marathon (18 per cent), and having a Christmas jumper contest (13 per cent), according to results from OnePoll.
Caitlin Hoey, from ASK Italian, added: “Heading out for a meal to share great food with great people isn’t a revolutionary pastime, but there’s a reason it came out on top in our research.
“After all, what beats gathering around a table with your favourite people? Friendsmas has been growing year after year and we’re convinced it’s here to stay, only getting bigger and brighter.
“It marks a cultural shift toward celebrations that are more inclusive, more meaningful, and all about the people you choose.
“We want to give people the best full-on Friendsmas experience, this sits right at the top of our Christmas list."
TOP 10 BEST PARTS OF FRIENDSMAS:
1. Having fun and socialising
2. The laughter
3. Enjoying good food and drinks
4. Making memories with friends
5. The conversation and chatting for hours
6. The banter and jokes
7. Reminiscing on old times
8. Telling stories with my friends
9. Finding out the gossip
10. Avoiding family stress
