National Call a Friend Day

National Call a Friend Day is observed annually on December 28. This day encourages individuals to move beyond digital messaging and use their voices to reconnect with friends during the quiet period between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

History of National Call a Friend Day

The origins of this observance are tied to the late December period when many individuals experience a lull in social activity following the peak of Christmas. While social media and texting became the dominant forms of communication in the early 2000s, this specific day was established to promote more personal, voice-based interactions. By 2014, texting had officially overtaken phone calls as the most popular medium for people under the age of 50, making a dedicated day for verbal communication increasingly relevant.

Historically, the week between major winter holidays is a time when people often reflect on the past year and their personal relationships. National Call a Friend Day gained popularity through online holiday calendars and mental health advocacy groups as a way to combat the isolation that some feel during the winter season. It serves as a reminder that while digital updates provide a surface-level view of a friend’s life, a direct conversation offers a deeper understanding of their well-being.

Why is National Call a Friend Day important?

Hearing a familiar voice has physiological effects that text messages cannot replicate, such as the release of oxytocin, which helps lower stress levels. Voice-based communication allows for nuances in tone, pitch, and pauses that convey emotion and sincerity, reducing the risk of the misunderstandings common in written text. For those living alone or far from home, a phone call on this day can provide a vital sense of belonging and support during the end-of-year transition.

This day is also significant for maintaining long-distance relationships that might otherwise fade due to busy schedules. Research suggests that the decline in regular voice contact has contributed to a decrease in the number of close confidants people report having compared to previous decades. By setting aside a specific day for these calls, the holiday helps individuals prioritize their social health and reinforces the foundational bonds that contribute to long-term mental resilience.

• Voice conversations provide emotional nuances that text messages lack
• Social connection helps reduce the risk of depression and seasonal loneliness
• Reaching out strengthens long-term bonds that may have weakened over time
• A simple call can significantly boost the mood of both the caller and recipient
• The day promotes the habit of making intentional time for significant people

How to Celebrate National Call a Friend Day

Participating in this day involves making a list of friends you have not spoken to in several months or those who may be experiencing a difficult holiday season. Instead of sending a quick message, dial their number and spend at least ten to fifteen minutes catching up on their lives. If a traditional phone call is not possible, a video chat serves as an excellent alternative, allowing for visual cues and a stronger sense of presence.

Some people choose to host “reconnect parties” where a group of friends gathers to call a mutual acquaintance who lives far away on speakerphone. Another approach is the “surprise call,” where you reach out without a prior appointment to provide a pleasant interruption to a friend’s day. Regardless of the method, the goal is to move beyond the superficiality of social media likes and comments toward a genuine, real-time exchange of thoughts and feelings.

• Make a list of three friends to call throughout the afternoon or evening
• Use video calling software to see a friend’s face while you talk
• Set aside a specific hour to focus entirely on conversation without distractions
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage a more meaningful and lengthy discussion
• Leave a thoughtful voicemail if the person is unable to answer the phone

National Call a Friend Day Dates Table