What are the holiday dating plans for American singles?

Half of Americans (52%) returning home for the holidays plan to have sex in their childhood bedroom, new research shows.

A new survey examined the love lives of 2,000 single Americans aged 18-40.

Thirty-nine percent of respondents go home, and twice as many attend holiday gatherings alone as with a date (44% vs. 21%).

People who go alone mainly say they want to enjoy the party alone (27%), while others just want to bring someone serious to these parties (23%) and avoid the embarrassment of bringing a date (18%).

A survey conducted by Talker Research for LELO found that two-thirds of respondents consider the holidays to be the most romantic and intimate time.

Forty-one percent of singles socialize just as often, if not more, during the holidays than at other times of the year.

While many people visit family over the holidays, one in seven wants to secretly hook up or date while they’re there.

The results showed that among later holidays, New Year’s Eve was the date’s favorite (14%).

To make the most of this opportunity, one in three singles plans to become active. While the majority of respondents with these plans said they would go to someone they already knew (58%), a quarter were looking forward to a sexy date with a stranger (26%).

According to respondents, some old flames will be rekindled: nearly one-third hope to hear from their ex this holiday season (29%), and one-fifth plan to text their ex (21%) .

Still, respondents are still learning from their mistakes, as 29% had sex with someone during the holidays but regretted it later.

What’s more, 42% of people experienced a breakup during the holidays, with half of those surveyed regretting the relationship that led to the breakup.

Of those who have made hookup mistakes and plan to seek out sensual experiences this holiday season, eight in 10 say they will try to avoid them this time around.

To do this, respondents will “be more open to other people’s perspectives without being wedded to expectations or past memories,” be “more upfront about what I want in a casual relationship,” and “set it right from the beginning. Our boundaries”.

But intimacy doesn’t always have to include other people: 22% of respondents admitted they sometimes bring sex toys with them when visiting family during the holidays.

Of those who had brought a sex toy, 46% said someone discovered it; but 42% of respondents were not embarrassed.

“While 25% of people who have never used sex toys during the holidays are open to the idea, this shows a shift in the way singles and couples approach intimacy – with curiosity and desire for this Seasons bring joy and exploration,” said Luka Matutinovic, Chief Marketing Officer of LELO. “The holidays are a time for everyone to celebrate their unique journey of connection and joy. That’s why we encourage exploring ways to deepen intimacy and joy during the holidays, showing that joy can be a meaningful part of the celebration—whether for By yourself or with your partner.”

When you think about your love life over the past year, the average single American has been in two types of relationships: a casual hookup and a serious relationship. However, one-third of respondents regretted these interactions.

How will these heartaches affect them in the new year? 42% plan to prioritize serious relationships in 2025, but another one in seven admit they want to keep things casual.

Some of the main love lessons they will learn in the new year are “I make a great partner and I deserve someone as great as me”, “Love is a wonderful but confusing thing” and “Make things happen” Go at your own pace and don’t rush. “

“As we move into 2025, it’s time to shift the focus of love and intimacy from expectations to the things that actually bring joy,” Matutinovich said. “Whether it’s exploring new ways to connect with your partner or prioritizing self-pleasure, your goals should be exciting, not overwhelming. Intimacy is about discovery—discovering yourself, your desires, and what makes you feel Live the experience. Make 2025 a year to celebrate joy, set boundaries that empower you, and embrace the love you deserve in all its forms.”

Love lessons Americans will learn in 2025:

• Let things happen at your own pace and don’t rush
• If you don’t feel it in your heart, don’t pursue it.
• Go with your gut. If something is wrong, please listen
• No matter what, always listen to my partner and meet her needs

• Take care of your own heart and interests, don’t fall in love with someone immediately just because you’re lonely during the holidays
• Don’t be with someone who makes you feel like you can’t be yourself
• Don’t give away my heart so easily
• I’m a great partner and I deserve someone as great as me
• Don’t bring past relationships into the present
• Make sure you trust them completely/don’t date someone who misses their ex
• Strong and confident
• Not every relationship has to last forever
• Find true love, not games

• Love is a wonderful yet confusing thing
• Just because someone doesn’t want to be with you, doesn’t mean no one wants to be with you
• People make time for the things they want. they would if they wanted to
• Get to know someone before falling deeply in love with them
• Never go to bed angry with each other

Investigation method:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 singles aged 18-40; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research from November 9-14, 2024.