Tag: Christmas affairs

Couples have less sex in January than any other month

* December and summer months top the list for sexual activity, while January ranks last.
* Exhaustion, money worries and Dry January blamed for killing desire.
* Londoners report the biggest January sex slump.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

January has officially earned an unsexy new title. According to new research, it’s the month when couples are least likely to get intimate – and it’s not hard to see why.

A poll of 2,700 adults by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site, has revealed that sexual frequency drops sharply in January compared to December, with many couples admitting that once the fairy lights come down, so does their libido.

When asked to choose which month they tend to have the most sex, December comfortably topped the list, with 22% saying it’s their most active month. Summer also proved popular, with July (16%) and August (14%) rounding out the top three.

January, meanwhile, sat firmly at the bottom of the table, with just 2% saying it’s when they have the most sex, confirming it as the nation’s least passionate month.

While December is fuelled by indulgence, socialising and late nights, January brings the opposite: fatigue, restraint and a collective national comedown.

The biggest libido‑killer? Exhaustion. Nearly two‑thirds (64%) said the chaos of Christmas left them too drained to feel sexual in January.

Money worries also played a major role. Almost half (47%) said post‑Christmas financial stress made it difficult to relax or feel in the mood.

Meanwhile, Dry January has been dampening more than just alcohol intake. A third (33%) said going booze‑free reduced spontaneity and intimacy at home.

Even healthy habits are sabotaging sex lives. 29% said early‑morning gym sessions and new fitness routines left them “too tired” for sex at night, while 24% admitted that poor body confidence after festive overindulgence made them less likely to initiate intimacy.

The survey also revealed stark regional differences when it comes to the January bedroom slowdown. London topped the list, with 38% of respondents saying their sex life dips dramatically in January, followed by the South East (34%) and the North West (31%).

At the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland reported the smallest post-festive slowdown, with just 13% saying January has a noticeable impact on their intimacy levels – suggesting some regions are shaking off the winter lull far better than others.

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, says January creates the perfect storm for intimacy to take a back seat.

“January is all about restriction – spending less, drinking less, eating less, sleeping more and waking up earlier,” she explains. “Unfortunately, sex often becomes another thing people subconsciously cut back on.”

She adds: “When stress, fatigue and self-consciousness creep in, desire is usually the first casualty. It’s why January consistently shows the biggest dip in sexual frequency, even among otherwise happy couples.”

Leoni says the key is recognising the slump rather than ignoring it. “Intimacy doesn’t have to disappear just because it’s cold, dark and payday feels miles away – but January definitely makes it harder to prioritise connection unless couples actively make the effort.”

Results

Which month of the year do you tend to have more sex? (Choose one)
December – 22%
July – 16%
August – 14%
February – 10%
June – 8%
March – 7%
May – 6%
November – 5%
April – 4%
October – 3%
September – 3%
January – 2%

Regional breakdown of where people in the UK admit to experiencing a January sex slump
London – 38%
South East – 34%
North West – 31%
West Midlands – 29%
East Midlands – 25%
Scotland – 24%
Yorkshire & Humber – 22%
East of England – 19%
South West – 18%
Wales – 16%
Northern Ireland – 13%

Today is the day that people are more likely to start having an affair than any other time of the year

* Dubbed ‘Blue Monday for relationships’, the 5th January marks the day most people turn to infidelity after festive tensions expose cracks in their relationships.
* New registrations on IllicitEncounters.com are forecast to rise by 38% by the end of this week, prompting the site to bring in additional staff for the second consecutive year to cope with demand.
* 71% say ending an unhappy relationship is a top priority this year, while 56% admit having more sex is high on their 2026 to-do list.

As the decorations come down and reality bites, today is the day more Brits will choose to pursue an affair than any other day of the year, according to relationship experts – and it’s all driven by post-holiday blues and a desire for a fresh start.

The 5th January has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday for relationships’ – sharing the spotlight with Divorce Day, as both land on the first working Monday of the year.  

According to new data from IllicitEncounters.com, registrations are forecast to be 38% higher by the end of this week, making this one of the site’s busiest starts to a year on record. The surge has been so significant that additional customer support staff have been drafted in for the second consecutive year to manage the influx of new members seeking an affair..

The site also surveyed 1,000 members who joined during the first few days of January, revealing the emotional drivers behind the spike. A striking 64% said the festive period made them realise how unhappy they were in their relationship, while 49% admitted that spending extended time with their partner over Christmas confirmed feelings they had been trying to ignore.

When asked about their priorities for the year ahead, 71% said leaving an unhappy relationship or starting divorce proceedings was at the top of their list, followed closely by having more sex (56%), feeling desired again (51%), and putting their own happiness first (47%).

One woman who joined the site this week, Sarah*, 39, from Leeds, says Christmas was the final straw. “On paper, we had a perfect Christmas – family visits, big dinners, presents – but I felt completely invisible the entire time,” she says. “We barely spoke unless it was about logistics. When January arrived, I realised I couldn’t go into another year feeling this lonely. Signing up felt like taking control again.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com, says the timing is no coincidence. “The festive chaos is over, routines return, and people suddenly have space to act. That combination of clarity, dissatisfaction and opportunity makes early January the most dangerous period of the year for struggling relationships.

The post-Christmas surge in activity on IllicitEncounters has become so consistent that, for the second consecutive year, we’ve needed additional staff to manage the influx of new members. It underlines just how significant early January has become in the relationship calendar.”

“Christmas has a way of magnifying everything that isn’t working in a relationship,” she explains. “There’s pressure to be happy, affectionate and grateful — and when the reality doesn’t match the picture, it can be deeply confronting. By early January, people are emotionally exhausted and far more honest with themselves about what they’re missing.”

She adds: “January represents a psychological reset. For some, that means diets or gym memberships — but for others, it’s about reclaiming intimacy, excitement and feeling wanted again.”

*Name has been changed.

Is your partner’s lavish Christmas gift a red flag? 1 in 3 cheats use expensive presents to “throw spouses off the scent”

* 1 in 3 admit lavish presents are used to “throw spouses off the scent” of their infidelity.
* Cheaters spend up to 38% more on Christmas gifts once an affair begins.
* Experts warn expensive gifts can be a form of festive gaslighting.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Christmas is supposed to be the season of giving – but new research suggests that some gifts may come with strings attached. A poll involving 2,600 members of IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, has revealed that lavish presents are often less about generosity and more about guilt.

According to the survey, people who are having an affair spend up to 38% more on their spouse’s Christmas gift compared to before their infidelity. And while guilt plays a role, the motivation is often more calculated. 

One in three admitted that a key reason for splashing out was to “throw spouses off the scent” – making suspicion seem unreasonable. As one respondent put it: “Why would someone who bought you a £2,000 necklace be cheating?”

This tactic, experts say, amounts to a form of gaslighting. By showering their spouse with extravagant gifts, cheaters create a narrative of devotion that makes any doubts feel irrational. 

This strategy is particularly common at Christmas, when generosity is expected and big-ticket presents can be framed as festive indulgence rather than suspicious overcompensation. In fact, 41% of those who cheated said Christmas was the easiest time of year to disguise guilt spending as romance or tradition.

The survey also revealed the most popular “cover‑up” gifts chosen by cheating spouses this Christmas. For men, the top five presents being given to wives are jewellery (32%), designer handbags (24%), perfume (19%), spa vouchers (15%) and weekend getaways (12%). 

Women, meanwhile, are favouring splashing out on watches (28%), high‑end tech gifts (22%), expensive clothing (18%), aftershave (14%) and concert tickets (11%). 

IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert, Jessica Leoni, says the findings reveal a darker side to festive generosity. “Lavish Christmas gifts can be a form of emotional misdirection,” she explains. “For some cheaters, it’s not just about easing guilt – it’s about control. An expensive present creates a psychological shield, making the faithful partner doubt their own instincts and feel unreasonable for questioning suspicious behaviour.”

Leoni adds that Christmas is the perfect backdrop for this tactic. “The festive period comes with huge expectations around romance, gratitude and ‘making an effort’. A big, show-stopping gift ticks all the boxes of what a ‘good partner’ should do at Christmas, even if their behaviour the rest of the year tells a very different story. If something feels off, it’s worth remembering that price tags don’t equal honesty.”

Results
Top 5 “cover-up” gifts from men to women
Jewellery (32%)
Designer handbags (24%)
Perfume (19%)
Spa vouchers (15%)
Weekend getaways (12%)

Top 5 “cover-up” gifts from women to men
Watches (28%)
High‑end tech (22%)
Designer clothing (18%)
Aftershave (14%)
Concert tickets (11%)

Revealed: The Top 10 Most ‘Dangerous’ Professions for Christmas Party Infidelity

* 31% of Brits admit to cheating at their work Christmas party – and 63% say they “pre-selected” the colleague they wanted to hook up with before the big night.
* Nearly 1 in 5 festive flings (19%) turn into long-term affairs, and only 15% feel any next-day regret.
* People working in finance, media and hospitality top the list of the most ‘dangerous’ professions for Christmas party infidelity.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

With glittering decorations and flowing fizz, the office Christmas party is often the highlight of the corporate calendar. But for a surprisingly large number of Brits, the event is less about festive cheer and more about secret flings, with new research revealing the shocking scale of infidelity at Christmas work parties.

A study of 2,800 UK adults by the extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com has uncovered the truth about workplace party antics, finding that 31% of people admit to having cheated on their partner at a Christmas party.

The data suggests these illicit encounters are often far from spontaneous. A telling 63% of those who strayed confessed they had mentally “pre-selected” a colleague they were hoping to hook up with before the event even began. 

For nearly 1 in 5 (19%), what started as a tipsy one-night stand escalated into a long-term affair. Perhaps most surprisingly, only 15% reported feeling immediate regret the next morning, suggesting many see it as a calculated risk rather than a drunken mistake.

The research also identified a clear ranking of the most ‘dangerous’ professions when it comes to office party infidelity, based on the percentage of employees in each sector admitting to festive cheating:

Top 10 Most ‘Dangerous’ Professions for Christmas Party Cheating:

  1. Finance – 43%
  2. Media & Advertising – 37%
  3. Hospitality & Events – 32%
  4. Sales & Retail Management – 29%
  5. Legal Sector – 26%
  6. Creative Arts & Design – 24%
  7. Tech & IT – 21%
  8. Healthcare – 19%
  9. Education – 16%
  10. Construction – 14%

Michael*, 34, an investment banker from London, shared his experience: “The party is the open secret. You spend weeks building up to it, spotting who’s single or who’s been giving you that look in meetings. Last year, I’d been low-key flirting with a woman from the design team for months.

At the party, with a few drinks and the boss gone, it just… happened. We booked a taxi to hers before the last round was called. My girlfriend thought I was in a hotel with colleagues. It was thrilling, and honestly, no regrets. We still message sometimes.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com, comments: “The office Christmas party creates a perfect storm for infidelity. It’s a sanctioned event where normal rules are suspended – hierarchies flatten, alcohol flows freely, and everyone is dressed to impress.

Professions in the finance sector top the list because they often combine high-pressure, long-hours cultures with lavish, expensed parties. The ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality can easily blur personal and professional boundaries.

For many, the lack of immediate regret is telling. An affair that starts at a Christmas party can feel like a separate, compartmentalised part of their life – a secret gift they’ve given themselves before returning to the realities of family life over the holidays. It’s a dangerous, but for some, irresistible festive tradition.”

*Name has been changed

Today is ‘Unfaithful Friday’– the biggest day for winter affairs as adulterers celebrate ‘Cheatmas’

* Friday 5th December is ‘Unfaithful Friday’, the most popular day in the winter for having an affair.
* Extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com reported a 31% increase in activity among members in the leadup to ‘Unfaithful Friday’.
*  77% of married people declared they’ve made plans to meet up with their lovers on ‘Unfaithful Friday’, with the largest number of rendezvous (59%) scheduled for this evening.

Today marks ‘Unfaithful Friday’, the busiest day of the year for secret winter affairs – and new data from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s biggest extramarital dating site, shows just how sharply cheating activity spikes before the chaos of Christmas begins.

The first Friday of December, known to adulterers as ‘Cheatmas’, historically sees married Brits rush to squeeze in one last secret meet-up before family festivities kick in.

Figures show a 31% spike in activity across the whole of the UK on the site in the run-up to the notorious ‘Unfaithful Friday’.

It comes as thousands of married Brits take advantage of the last quiet weekend before the Christmas chaos of office parties, school plays, family gatherings and endless shopping trips.

In a survey conducted by the UK’s leading married dating site involving 2,400 members, a whopping 77% declared they’ve made plans to meet up with their lovers on ‘Unfaithful Friday’. Of those, 59% will be meeting this evening, 28% will be having an afternoon rendezvous and 13% will begin their day by spending time with their lovers.

Sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni, of IllicitEncounters.com, said, “People are grabbing one last dose of excitement before entering what for many is a marathon of familial performance art.

The excuses are almost foolproof at this time of year – no one questions a late-night work drink in December or an afternoon lost in the shops. It’s the perfect alibi for a day that has become the annual peak of secret intimacy in Britain.”

One member, Lisa*, 37, from Bristol – who has made plans to meet her lover today – says, “From next week, my diary is insane – I’ll be going to my husband’s work do, there’s the kids’ nativity, and we’ll also be hosting his family on Boxing Day. Today is my one window.

“I’ve told him I’m doing a big Christmas shop with a girlfriend. In reality, I’ll be having a long lunch and a few hours of proper conversation with someone who actually listens to me. It’s about feeling like myself again before I have to be ‘mum’, ‘host’ and ‘wife’ for the next three weeks straight.”

Leoni adds a warning for suspicious partners: “If your other half is suddenly ‘unavailable’ today, unusually keen on a solo shopping trip, or has a strangely detailed story about helping a friend, your intuition might be ringing for a reason. ‘Cheatmas’ is the day when the secret world and the real world collide under the cover of tinsel and goodwill.”

*Name has been changed

People are more likely to start having an affair today than any other time of the year

* Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ for relationships, the 6th January is the day that people turn to infidelity as a result of cracks revealed during the festive period.

* Registrations on married dating site IllicitEncounters.com are forecast to be up 33% compared to the same time last year, with the website struggling to keep up with the ‘unprecedented demand’.

* 37% of people who have joined the website since the start of 2025 say they did so in search of physical intimacy, 29% seek the thrill and excitement of an affair, and 21% are looking for emotional support.

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

Today is the day that people are most likely to have an affair. The 6th January, dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ for relationships, shares the spotlight with Divorce Day, as both land on the first working Monday of the year. 

Relationship experts warn that more people are likely to start having an affair today than any other time of the year, driven by post-holiday blues and a desire for a fresh start.

Leading affairs site, IllicitEncounters.com, has reported a staggering 33% increase in new member registrations compared to this time last year, with the trend expected to climb further as the week progresses. 

The website, which caters to those seeking discreet extramarital connections, has been overwhelmed by the influx. “It’s the busiest we’ve ever been. The start of a new year always prompts a spike, but 2025 has started off with unprecedented demand – in fact, we’ve admittedly been struggling to keep up with the surge in sign-ups, but we’ve got a team working around the clock to keep things running smoothly.” said IllicitEncounters.com spokesperson, Jessica Leoni.

To gain insight into the motivations driving this surge, the site conducted a poll of 500 newly registered members. Physical intimacy emerged as the top reason, cited by 37% of respondents, while 29% admitted to seeking the thrill and excitement of an affair. Meanwhile, 21% said they were looking for emotional support, a void left unfilled in their current relationships. A smaller percentage (5%) joined as an act of revenge after discovering their partner’s infidelity.

Kathy*, 38 from Brighton who joined the platform on New Year’s Day, shared her perspective, describing how she felt disillusioned after years of feeling invisible in her marriage. “It wasn’t an impulsive decision. I’ve been unhappy for a long time, and after the Christmas holidays, I realised I couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine,” she said. “I joined hoping to find someone who sees me, someone who brings joy back into my life. It’s not just about physical intimacy – although that’s important – it’s also about feeling wanted and valued again.”

According to IllicitEncounters.com’s spokesperson, Jessica Leoni, “The post-holiday period often exacerbates relationship tensions. People spend weeks in close quarters during the festive season, which can highlight existing cracks. January feels like a fresh start, and for some, that means exploring new connections, even outside their relationship.”

*Name has been changed.

Cheaters are buying cunning gifts for their partners this Christmas to cover up their affairs

* 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.”

Revealed: The shocking secrets of office Christmas parties as 1 in 5 workers admit to making a move on their colleague

* 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.”

Couples issued warning ahead of ‘Unfaithful Friday’ as biggest day for infidelity lands tomorrow

* 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.

Christmas Decorations Are the Number One Cause of Arguments For Couples During the Festive Season

*  34% of people admitted that decorating disputes are their biggest festive stress, causing the most arguments in the run-up to Christmas.
* Gift-giving (26%) also ranks high in the list of common Christmas tiffs, followed by disputes over finances during the notoriously costly festive season (18%).
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many couples, it’s a battlefield – and the war is being waged over tinsel, baubles, and Christmas trees. 

A new poll by extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com has revealed that the number one cause of arguments in the run-up to Christmas is not money or family, but holiday decorations. A staggering 34% of people admitted that decorating disputes are their biggest festive stress, leaving finances and family squabbles trailing behind.

“I never thought hanging fairy lights could ruin a relationship, but here we are,” joked one anonymous respondent. “I wanted a classy white-and-gold theme, but my partner insisted on his tacky, blinking rainbow lights. It turned into a full-blown argument.”

Even the process of decorating together can trigger conflicts. Nearly half of those who argued over decorations (48%) said they fought because one partner didn’t contribute enough to the effort or didn’t take it seriously. 

The second most common culprit for conflict over Christmas is gift-giving. 26% of people admitted that shopping for presents had led to heated arguments. Whether it’s deciding how much to spend, picking the perfect gift, or one partner shouldering all the shopping responsibilities, the process leaves many couples feeling more frazzled than festive.

18% of people say money is the main cause of arguments in the lead up to Christmas. The costs of decorations, parties, and travel quickly add up, and disagreements about budgets put a strain on wallets – and relationships. 

Arguments over cooking at Christmas (11%), and visiting relatives (6%) also featured in the list.

Commenting on the results of the poll, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni, said, “Bickering about decorations is almost as much a Christmas tradition as mince pies and bad cracker jokes. Every couple has that one yearly debate – whether it’s about a garish light-up Santa or how much glitter is too much.”

In many cases, however, there’s a deeper meaning to these ‘tinsel tiffs’, “For some, Christmas decorations are more than just ornaments – they’re tied to personal traditions, childhood memories, and even identity,” Leoni explains. “For many couples, these arguments aren’t just about the decorations themselves but about feeling heard and respected. If one partner’s vision keeps getting dismissed, it can lead to feelings of resentment.”

Results
Most common cause of arguments over the festive period

Christmas decorations – 34%
Gift-giving – 26%
Financial costs – 18%
Christmas cooking – 11%
Visiting relatives – 6%
Other – 5%