Friendsmas, Our New Favourite Tradition

Somewhere between the office party and the trip home for Christmas, there’s a night that feels like the real start of the holidays. A night for laughter, good food and time with the people who’ve made the year memorable. Friends gather, glasses clink, board games take over the table, and small gifts are unwrapped – a Friendsmas celebration is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

So what is Friendsmas?

Friendsmas is the modern, pre-Christmas tradition of celebrating with your chosen family: the friends you’ve laughed, loved and made memories with this year. It’s usually a dinner or games night before everyone heads off to their own family plans, a way to pause and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of the main holidays.

The term first appeared online a few years ago as people shared their own versions: potluck dinners, flatmate feasts, festive games nights. It’s part of a wider shift towards making traditions that reflect the way we live, especially in cities where friends often become an extended family. At its core, Friendsmas is about connection – good food, and thoughtful time spent with familiar faces.

Hosting your own Friendsmas

Your friendships already work, so there’s no need to overthink the details. Go all out with multiple courses and a playlist that keeps the energy up, or keep it simple with a takeaway and a few bottles of wine. The “what” is flexible — the “why” is what matters.

If you want a few ideas to enhance the evening without turning it into a production:

Festive tableware: A few well-chosen pieces (ceramics, glassware, or a serving plate) can make even simple meals feel special. A festive tablecloth or runner can also transform your everyday tableware in an instant.
Lighting that sets the mood: Candles, portable lamps, or warm-toned lighting create an inviting atmosphere without fuss.
Games and small extras: Board games, card games, or a Secret Santa-style gift exchange give the evening a sense of playful rhythm and shared moments.

Our Friendsmas Edit brings together gifts, tableware, and design-led pieces to make hosting effortless, enjoyable, and memorable.

Gifting is optional

We’re a gift store, so obviously we love gifting. The tradition of gift-giving has been part of celebrations for centuries, a way to mark moments, show appreciation, and connect with the people who matter. At Friendsmas, it’s entirely optional, but a small, thoughtful present (check out A Guide to Thoughtful Gifting here) can add an extra layer of meaning to the evening.

A Secret Santa exchange is a fun way to keep it light and spontaneous, and if you need help organising one, you can set up your draw here. Whether it’s a design-led board game, a timeless home accessory, or a little indulgence for someone’s desk or kitchen, gifting at Friendsmas is all about celebrating the people you enjoy spending time with.

Friendsmas captures the best parts of the season: food, laughter and meaningful time together. It’s a slower, more personal way to mark the end of the year, one that’s less about obligation and more about intention.

With the right design details, a simple dinner or games night can become a memory that lasts long after the season ends. This year, gather your people, set the table, and make your own version of Friendsmas – it might just become your new favourite tradition too.

Shop the Friendsmas collection