A shocking number of Americans plan to have sex in their childhood bedroom this holiday season

Half of Americans who will visit home for the holidays plan to have sex in their childhood bedroom (52%), according to a new study.

A new survey looked at what the holiday season has in store for the love lives of 2,000 single Americans ages 18 to 40.

With 39% of respondents visiting home, twice as many of these respondents will only attend holiday gatherings rather than a date (44% vs. 21%).

Those who will go alone mostly said they want to enjoy the gatherings themselves (27%), while others only want to bring serious people to these gatherings (23%) and avoid the awkwardness that comes with bringing a date around. (18 %).

The survey conducted by Talker Research for LELO found that two-thirds of respondents agree that the holidays are the most romantic time to be intimate.

Forty-one percent of singles tend to hook up with people just as often, if not more, during the holiday season than at other times of the year.

Although many will be visiting family on holiday, one in seven want to sneak a hookup or date while they’re there.

Of the subsequent holidays, the results showed that New Year’s Eve leads as the favorite holiday for relationships (14%).

To make the most of this, a third of singles plan to live. Although most respondents who have these plans said they would go for someone they already know (58%), a quarter look forward to a date with a stranger (26%).

According to those surveyed, some old flames will be rekindled: 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%).

However, respondents are learning from their mistakes, with 29% hooking up with someone on holiday and regretting it later.

Even more, 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 dating mistakes and are looking for a sensual experience this holiday season said they will try to avoid those mistakes this time around.

To do this, the respondents “will not hold on to expectations or memories of the past and will be more open to other people’s perspectives”, “be more open about what I want in a casual relationship” and “set our boundaries from the start”.

But being intimate doesn’t always have to involve others: 22% of respondents admit they sometimes bring sex toys when visiting family on vacation.

Of those who have brought a sex toy with them before, 46% said someone found it, but 42% of those surveyed did not feel embarrassed.

“Although 25% have never used a sex toy on holiday but are open to the idea, this speaks to a shift in the way singles and couples approach intimacy – with curiosity and a desire to bring joy and exploration in the season”, he said. Luka Matutinovic, Head of Marketing at LELO. “The holidays are a time for everyone to celebrate their unique journey of connection and enjoyment. 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 holiday – whether for yourself or with a partner.”

Reflecting on their love life over the past year, the average single American has had two relationships: a casual relationship and a serious relationship. However, a third of respondents regret these interactions.

How will these pains affect them in the new year? Forty-two percent plan to prioritize serious relationships in 2025, but one in seven admit they want to keep things casual.

Some of the top love lessons they’ll take with them into the new year are “that I’m an amazing partner and I deserve someone as good as I am,” “love is a wonderful but confusing thing,” and “I let things go at their own pace, don’t rush things.”

“As we enter 2025, it’s time to shift the focus of love and intimacy from expectations to what truly brings satisfaction,” Matutinovic said. “Whether you’re exploring new ways to connect with a partner or prioritizing self-pleasure, your goals should be exciting, not overwhelming. Intimacy is about discovery—of yourself, your desires, and the experiences you make you feel alive. Let 2025 be the year to celebrate contentment, set boundaries that empower you, and embrace the love you deserve in all its forms.”

LOVE LESSONS AMERICANS WILL LEARN IN 2025:

• Let things go at their own pace, don’t rush things.
• If you don’t feel it in your heart, then don’t follow it.
• Go with your gut. If something goes wrong, listen.
• Always listen to my partner and feed her needs no matter what.

• To take care of my heart and interest and not fall in love with someone immediately, just because I’m lonely during the holidays.
• Don’t be with someone who makes you feel like you can’t be yourself.
• Don’t let go of your heart so easily.
• That I am a great partner and I deserve someone as great as me.
• Do not bring past relationships into the present.
• Make sure you trust them completely/Don’t date people who miss their ex.
• Be strong and confident.
• Not every relationship has to last forever.
• Find love that is real and doesn’t play games.

• Love is a wonderful but also 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 what they want. If they wanted to, they would.
• Get to know someone before you fall so hard for that person.
• Never go to bed angry with each other.

Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 singles 18 to 40; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between November. 9 and November. 14, 2024.