'Snowmanning' is the Christmas dating trend you should avoid at all costs

Holiday romantics beware

A frosty new dating trend has hit the ground running this festive season, and experts warn it could leave you with more than just a broken heart. 

“Christmas is a time for celebration and presents a great opportunity to socialise and find someone special,” Rachael Lloyd, a relationship expert at eHarmony, explains to the Mirror.

But before you settle into a month of Christmas flings and end-of-year inhibitions, it’s worth familiarising yourself with a resurfaced trend that’s rocking the dating world. 

“Once the drinks stop flowing and decorations come down, sometimes that initial burst of chemistry wears off. Our research shows that lots of people then retreat from their new relationships, a trend we are coining ‘snowmanning.'”

And while no one wants to come out of the festive season with a broken heart, experts have much graver concerns about the prevalence of snowmanning – particularly surrounding our collective sexual health. 

Typically, snowmanning will see the interests of a new sexual partner ‘melt away’ within 24 hours, a recipe for disaster in the eyes of sexual health experts around the world, with many being left with an unwanted souvenir from their short-lived holiday fling. 

According to one UK-based survey, one in five sexually active single people has been a victim of snowmanning in recent years, a figure that experts believe has significantly contributed to the rise of STIs in the region. 

Due to the quick turnaround from potential partner to puddle of relationship past, experts predict many people engaging in snowmanning may not even be exchanging contact details with their sexual partner, meaning previous or future flings could be left none-the-wiser should they contract any kind of STI. 

Snowmanning isn't as romantic as it sounds... Image: Pexels

A recent poll of 2,000 British adults revealed that 33 per cent engage in casual sex over the Christmas week, with 21 per cent sharing they are subsequently ignored by their sexual partner the following day. 

While the stats in the survey reflect the sexual habits across the pond, Aussies aren’t doing much better. According to the 2024 Body+Soul sex census, one in 3 Aussies never use contraception during sex. 

The spontaneity and celebration that surrounds the end-of-year festivities often mean people are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. 

“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health,” Says Dr Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor.

“Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe.”

Commonly transmitted STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis – while often treatable – can lead to serious health complications nd infertility if ignored for too long. 

Originally published as 'Snowmanning' is the Christmas dating trend you should avoid at all costs