Half of Singaporeans would spend the year-end holidays alone in the absence of their usual company

New YouGov data suggests a quieter, more individualised approach to the year-end holidays, with over half of Singaporeans (51%) saying they would spend the holidays alone if their usual companions were unavailable, indicating a shift away from traditional social expectations. Older respondents are more likely to express this preference.

Having said that, alternatives to being alone still appeal to many. A third of Singaporeans (33%) would attend a public event, while one in five (19%) would join an online community. Notably, one in ten (11%) say they would spend the holidays with an AI companion, rising to 21% among millennials. This suggests that technology may increasingly play a role in filling gaps in social connection, particularly for younger generations.

The data shows that half (50%) celebrate Christmas alongside other holidays, while 11% each either celebrate only Christmas or other year-end holidays. While Christmas dominates festive imagery, 28% of Singaporeans do not celebrate any end-of-year holidays.

A season of independence

The independent mindset around holidays extends to gifting as well. 43% prefer to buy gifts themselves, with partners (31%) and friends or family (27%) playing supporting roles. AI remains a minor influence in gift buying (6%), though openness grows for practical tasks: 36% would use AI to manage holiday budgets, and nearly half see potential value in AI-assisted gift lists (49%), despite concerns about impersonality.

Bad gifts, worse traditions

Consumers show clear fatigue with generic gifting. Re-gifted items and cheap tech gadgets (31% each) top the list of least-liked presents, followed by mugs (26%), self-help books (25%), and office gift sets (23%).

Traditional holiday rituals fare no better. Cleaning up after guests tops the list of rituals Singaporeans would most like to cancel if given the choice (36%). Many dislike gift exchanges at workplace (30%) and with extended family (24%). Some Singaporeans are fatigued by rituals such as holiday cooking (18%), socialising (15%), and travelling (13%). Ony a third enjoy all holiday traditions (33%).

Overall, the findings point to a more self-directed, low-pressure holiday mindset, where personal comfort and autonomy increasingly take precedence over traditional expectations.

Methodology

The insights in this article have been sourced via YouGov Surveys: Serviced – providing rapid answers from the right audience. The survey was conducted from December 11 and 16, 2025, with 1064 respondents in Singapore.