* A controversial discussion began in an online forum, revealing how cheaters are using clever Christmas gift choices to keep their partners distracted while they have a secret affair.

* People shared tips on how tactical gifts, such as games consoles and golf lessons, can be the perfect way to keep their partners occupied.

* The post on the IllicitEncounters.com ‘Flirt Forum’ is just one of many unconventional topics discussed.

Gift-giving is a central part of the festive season for many, with people searching for the perfect present to surprise their loved ones. But for some, the gifts they choose serve a different purpose – keeping their partners distracted while they have an affair. 

A shocking discussion revealed just how far some people are willing to go to make sure their partners are kept off the scent of their infidelity – and you may need to worry if you find a games console under the Christmas tree.

The thread began with one woman’s bold confession, sharing the seemingly thoughtful present she’ll be giving her partner,  “I’ve decided to gift him a Playstation for Christmas,” she wrote. “He’s been dropping hints about it all year, and honestly? It’s the perfect way to keep him completely distracted while I… well, let’s just say, focus on my own ‘activities.’ It’s a win-win really!”

The post quickly sparked a wave of responses from fellow members, with multiple women sharing they too had bought games consoles as a way of keeping their partners busy.

“I did this last year and it worked an absolute treat!” one user commented, while another said, “My husband absolutely wasn’t a gamer, that is, until I bought him a games console. It’s basically his hobby now and he even bought himself one of those headsets, so I can safely say he’s got other things on his mind than checking what I’m up to when I’m off to see my IE.”

Inspired by the other women, one poster commented, “I was about to go Christmas shopping for my husband, but now I’m thinking I might buy him a games console.”

A number of people went on to share their own devious gift-giving strategies, with one member admitting she cunningly sent her husband off golfing, saying ‘My go-to gifts are always something outdoorsy. Best buy was golf lessons and a set of clubs. He was so happy, and completely unaware that I just wanted to keep him busy while I got up to my own mischief.”

One man shared his own cheeky tactic: “Interesting… I’ve bought my wife pottery lessons so I know I’ll have Tuesday evenings free. She’ll have no idea there’s an ulterior motive behind it!”

Commenting on the discussion which took place on the extramarital dating site, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com Jessica Leoni, said “Our forum is designed to foster open, honest discussions, even if the topics might surprise people. It’s hard not to admire the ingenuity behind some of these gift ideas. Whether it’s PlayStations or pottery lessons, our members certainly know how to think outside the box when it comes to gift-giving.”

* With office Christmas parties in full flow, 27% of people admit they’ve cheated at their festive work bash.
* 67% revealed they shared a kiss with a colleague, whilst 11% say they went all the way and slept with a workmate.

* 16% of people admitted to getting frisky with their bosses – the majority being men making a move on their female superiors.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

For some, the office Christmas party is a highlight of the year – a chance to unwind, celebrate, and bond with colleagues. But for others, it’s an opportunity to throw caution to the wind, with a surprising 27% of workers admitting to cheating during their festive work bash.

The survey of 1,600 people conducted by extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com uncovered that women are more likely than men to give in to temptation at the Christmas party.  Whether it’s the magic of the season or the influence of an open bar, the data shows a pattern of festive work hookups that may leave lasting consequences.

Of the Christmas party cheats, a whopping 67% admitted to locking lips with a colleague. But for some, the holiday heat didn’t stop at a smooch. A saucy 11% confessed to taking things to the next level and hopping into bed with their coworkers.

And while it’s often assumed that these flings are harmless one-offs, the stats suggest otherwise: 24% of the workplace cheaters admitted to continuing their Christmas party affair beyond the festivities. 

Another surprising twist in the findings is the dynamic between bosses and employees. A daring 16% of respondents owned up to getting frisky with their bosses during the party – with men being the primary offenders making moves on female superiors.

One person who took part in the poll and asked to remain anonymous, shared their story: “I didn’t go into the party thinking it would happen. But after a few drinks, one thing led to another, and I ended up kissing a colleague I’d secretly fancied for ages. We’ve kept it going in secret ever since, and honestly, it’s added a spark to my otherwise boring job.”

Sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni from IllicitEncounters.com offered her take on the results: “The office Christmas party is a perfect storm for infidelity. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, and the festive atmosphere encourages people to let their hair down. Add in the proximity of colleagues who already spend a lot of time together, and it’s no wonder sparks fly. While these encounters might seem exciting in the moment, they can have lasting repercussions on both personal and professional relationships, which is worth keeping in mind.”

* Friday 6th December is the most popular day in the winter for having an affair, as adulterers celebrate ‘Cheatmas’ before holiday stress and family commitments kick in.

* Extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com reported a 28% increase in activity among members in the leadup to ‘Unfaithful Friday’.

* Adulterers who’ll be celebrating tomorrow have revealed the excuses they’ll be telling their partners, with 52% declaring they’ll be ‘working late’.

Couples across the country are being warned to keep an eye on their partners as the 6th December, dubbed ‘Unfaithful Friday’, is set to be the busiest day of the year for cheating, according to the UK’s most popular extramarital dating site.

IllicitEncounters.com has reported a 28% spike in activity on the website in the lead-up to the notorious day. The so-called ‘Cheatmas’ phenomenon, which typically falls on the first Friday of December, sees adulterers taking advantage of the calm before the holiday storm, using the day to indulge in infidelity before the stress of family gatherings and festive commitments take over.

A survey conducted by IllicitEncounters.com which involved 2,000 of its members found that 66% have already arranged secret meetings on ‘Unfaithful Friday’. 

For those who will be celebrating the controversial day, cheaters are seemingly well-prepared with the excuses they’ll be telling their partners. By far the most popular cover-up will be ‘working late’, with over half of respondents (52%) saying they’ll be clocking imaginary overtime.

Meanwhile, 21% will be claiming they’re off doing some ‘Christmas shopping’ and 18% will be insisting they’re simply ‘out with friends’.

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, explains that ‘Unfaithful Friday’ represents the perfect storm for infidelity. “The holiday season brings a mix of stress, social events, and family obligations, which can cause some people to seek comfort outside their primary relationships. The timing of ‘Unfaithful Friday’ is particularly irresistible for cheaters, as it marks a final chance for freedom before the chaos of the holidays sets in.”

One anonymous user of the site shared their own plans for the day. “I’ve arranged to meet my lover for a long lunch while my partner thinks I’m stuck in back-to-back meetings,” they said. “It’s an escape from the pressures of the season. The holiday frenzy makes it easy to slip away unnoticed – everyone’s so distracted, they barely notice.”

Leoni advises couples to stay alert for subtle changes in behaviour, such as increased secrecy with phones or suddenly packed schedules. “Communication and connection are key to avoiding being on the Naughty List this festive season,” she added.