Now it’s almost December, it’s time to think about meeting up with those friends we rarely see. And it’s not just an added pressure to an already frantic time. Research has shown we have a ‘friendship peak’ at the age of 25, after which we start losing connections every year, mainly through lack of contact once life (read: career and relationships) gets in the way. And while the run-up to Christmas is always busy, it turns out making time for your friends is vitally important – especially for women.

According to an academic study on female friendship, those in regular contact with friends showed signs of reduced stress, longer life and the ability to better manage depression. The message? Spending time with your girlfriends is essential – a sentiment that Diet Coke and its brand ambassador Holly Willoughby are totally behind.

“I think that it’s important to spend time together, switch off and catch up,” Willoughby explains when discussing how she winds down with her closest pals. “A couple of years ago, I had a brilliant girls’ weekend in Ibiza – we just enjoyed the sunshine and spending time together. It was the first time I’d been there and it was great fun,” she says. “But at the same time, I genuinely love being at home, especially when I’m hanging out with my friends.”

In fact, home is one of the places Willoughby loves to relax with her close friends the most – provided that there are a few essential ingredients on hand. “Nachos are always a good place to start,” she says. “You always need good food and decent music. When I have friends over, we always take it in turn to choose two songs to add to the playlist.”

And when it comes to the guestlist? Willoughby wants her closest friends around – those who know her better than anyone else. “I have met brilliant women at different stages of my life, but what they all have in common is that we can talk to each other about anything. You never feel judged because they understand you perfectly,” Willoughby explains. “The whole point of having close friends is that nothing is off the table or off limits.” We couldn’t agree more.

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