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NEW YORK — Mom and Dad may want to hide the mistletoe because their adult children have some naughty plans when they come to visit this winter. According to a new survey, over half of Americans who will be traveling home for the holidays intend to have sex in their childhood bedrooms (52%).
The new poll also looked at what the holiday season has in store for the love lives of 2,000 single Americans between 18 and 40. With 39% of those visiting home this year, twice as many of these respondents will attend holiday gatherings solo rather than with a date (44% vs. 21%).
Those who will be heading home alone mainly said they want to enjoy the gatherings on their own (27%), while others only want to bring serious partners to these gatherings (23%) and avoid the awkwardness that comes with bringing a new date around (18%).
Additionally, the survey conducted by Talker Research for LELO found that two-thirds of respondents agree that the holidays are the most romantic time of year for intimate relationships. In fact, 41% of singles tend to hook up with people just as often, if not more, during the holiday season compared to other times of the year.
Even though many will be visiting their relatives during the holidays, one in seven still want to sneak in a quick hookup or date while they’re in town. Out of the end-of-the-year holidays, the poll finds that New Year’s Eve leads as the favorite festive day for hookups (14%).
To make the most of it, a third of singles plan to get frisky. Although most respondents who have these plans said they’ll go for someone they already know (58%), a quarter are looking forward to a sexy rendezvous with a stranger (26%).
X-mas with the exes?
According to respondents, some old flames will be rekindled during the holidays. Nearly a third expect to hear from an ex this holiday season (29%), and one in five plan to be the one to text their ex (21%).
Still, respondents are learning from their mistakes, as 29% have hooked up with someone during the holidays and regretted it later. Moreover, 42% have experienced a breakup during the holidays, and half of these respondents regret the relationship that led to it.
Eight in 10 of those who have made hookup mistakes and will be looking for another sexual experience this holiday season said they’ll try to avoid those mistakes this time around.
To do so, respondents say they will “not cling to expectations or past memories and be open to other people’s perspectives more,” “be more upfront about what I want in a casual relationship,” and “set our boundaries right from the beginning.”
Holiday ‘toy’ embarrassment
However, being intimate doesn’t always have to include others: 22% of respondents admit they sometimes bring sex toys when visiting family during the holidays. Of those who have previously brought a sex toy with them, 46% said someone found it; but 42% of those respondents did not feel embarrassed.
“Holidays are a time for everyone to celebrate their unique journey of connection and pleasure. That’s why we encourage exploring ways to deepen intimacy and joy during the holidays, showing that pleasure can be a meaningful part of the celebration — whether for yourself or with a partner,” says Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO, in a statement.
Thinking about their love lives over the past year, the average single American has had two relationships: one casual hookup and one serious relationship. However, a third of respondents have regretted getting into these relationships.
How will these heartaches affect them in the new year? Forty-two percent plan on prioritizing serious relationships in 2025, but another one in seven admit they want to keep things casual.
Some of the major love lessons they’ll take with them into the new year are “that I’m a great partner and I deserve someone just as great as me,” “love is a wonderful yet confusing thing,” and to “let things go at their own pace, don’t rush things.”
“As we step into 2025, it’s time to shift the focus of love and intimacy from expectations to what truly brings pleasure,” Matutinovic says. “Whether exploring new ways to connect with a partner or prioritizing self-pleasure, your goals should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Intimacy is about discovery — of yourself, your desires, and the experiences that make you feel alive. Let 2025 be the year to celebrate pleasure, set boundaries that empower you, and embrace the love you deserve in all its forms.”
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 singles 18-40; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 9 and Nov. 14, 2024.
