Three in ten Brits keen to spend more time with friends over Christmas period

09 November 2023 , 13:12

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Over a quarter of Brits have spent less time with their friends this year, compared to last year (Image: PinPep)

As the festive season approaches, three in ten Brits (31%) are keen to spend more quality time – enjoying catch-ups with friends, a study has found.

The amount of time spent socialising with pals seems to have fallen by the wayside this year, compared to last year, for 27% of busy adults.

The research, of 2,000 adults, found that 25-34-year-olds have struggled most to find time for their friends in the past 12 months (37%), followed by 35-44-year-olds (33%).

And some of the top things getting in the way include family commitments (33%), busy work schedules (35%), and simply distance (36%).

In fact, Gen Z adults, aged 18 to 24, are the only age group spending more time with pals this year, as opposed to less (36%, versus 31%).

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The typical adult is now only managing to meet up with friends twice a month, spending a collective four hours a month in their company.

And over half of those (51%), who have children under 18, only spend one hour a week, collectively, seeing friends in person – with 35% meeting them just once a month.

Virgin Red is giving away a selection of exciting rewards at London's Westfield White City, for one day only (PinPep)

But over the Christmas period, Brits will aim to meet up with friends as often as three times a week, the research found.

And those with children are most keen to mix things up, as 40% plan to get in more catch-ups with friends – accepting just two precious moments during the entire month as a blessing.

Andrea Burchett, chief loyalty officer and managing director at Virgin Red, which commissioned the research to mark its giveaway of 1,000 rewards at Westfield White City, said: “The festive period is often about spending time with loved ones.

“It’s the reason people travel across the country – or even the world – to share moments together. While many people struggle to find the time to get together over the year, it’s great to see many are planning to make extra effort this festive season to reconnect with friends and family.”

The most popular things to do with friends include having a meal together (59%), drinking a cup of tea (49%) – or going to the pub (45%). But 58% want to try and experience new things together, as they felt it would create stronger bonds between them.

And more than one in ten (12%) admitted to wanting to share quiet time with their best friend over their partners, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

The Points Board will be live for one day only (Thursday, November 9, 2023) at Westfield White City in London, with rewards including flights to New York, South Africa, and an afternoon tea for two.

Andrew Young