The Holiday Plus-One Rulebook: When Is It Too Soon to Bring a Date Home?

Ah, the holidays—twinkling lights, family traditions, and the age-old question: Is it too soon to bring them home? For many, introducing a new partner during the holidays feels like a milestone. But according to our recent survey of 1,000 Americans, the pressure to define a relationship by December can lead to regret, awkward conversations, or even breakups. Whether you’re a hopeful romantic or a seasoned skeptic, these findings shine a light on how modern daters navigate the festive season.

Key Takeaways

More than 1 in 4 people (26%) have brought a partner home for the holidays and later regretted it.
39% of people believe you should date for at least six months before bringing someone home for the holidays, but 1 in 10 say one month is enough.
Millennials (9%) are more likely than Gen Z (6%) to think it’s okay to bring someone home for the holidays after only one month of dating.
24% of people have felt pressured to bring someone home for the holidays before they were ready to do so.

Holiday Haste or Heartfelt Invite?

72% feel that bringing someone home for the holidays makes a relationship “official.”
Most people believe couples should date for at least six months before bringing a partner home for the holidays. One in 10 think it’s okay after just one month of dating, with millennials (9%) being more likely than Gen Z (6%) to say so.
Gen Z is the most likely to post a holiday photo with someone on Instagram after one month of dating (11%).
More than 1 in 4 people (26%) have brought a partner home for the holidays and later regretted it.
1 in 5 (20%) felt judged by their family for who they brought home for the holidays.
More than 1 in 10 (12%) have stayed in a relationship longer than they should have just to “get through the holidays.”
Nearly 1 in 10 Gen Z (9%) broke up with someone right after they met their family for the holidays.

Pressured by Mistletoe

24% have felt pressure to bring a partner home before they felt ready.
32% agree that bringing someone home for the holidays too soon can “curse the relationship.”
59% said their family welcomed their partner warmly.
36% said their family told embarrassing stories about them.
23% said families asked awkward or inappropriate questions.

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Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore perceptions of dating around the holidays and when it’s acceptable to bring someone home for the holidays. Of the respondents, 8% were baby boomers, 24% were Gen X, 52% were millennials, and 16% Gen Z. As for relationship status, 46% were engaged or married, 31% were single, 20% were in a relationship, and 2% were in a “situationship.”

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