Expert breaks down the seven signs your partner is cheating during the Christmas holidays

A relationships expert has detailed seven key signs that your partner may be committing adultery over the holiday period, including behavioral changes, over-the-top gifting, and Christmas party preening.

Cuffing season is well and truly upon us and a staggering 16 percent of single Americans claim they’ve personally had the urge to find a winter relationship, according to The Matchmaking Company. If you and your flame have been going strong for some time, then spending Christmas together, gift giving, and meeting in the in-laws may be on the cards.

Unfortunately, according to Jessica Leoni, who works for Illicit Encounters, the holidays can be a ‘bit of a paradox for relationships’.

“On the surface, it’s about togetherness, but underneath it’s one of the most stressful times of the year,” she admitted.

The seven signs that your partner is cheating on your at Christmas have been revealed (Getty Stock Image)

She reasoned this was why December ‘consistently sees a spike in affairs’, revealing it wasn't just about lusting after someone else, but escaping the norm.

“For many, straying at Christmas is less about betrayal and more about finding breathing space in a month that can feel suffocating,” she added, as per news.com.au.

According to Leoni, there are seven signs that may foretell that your partner is doing the dirty this Yuletide. They are as follows:

Sudden feeling ‘changes’

Sometimes when your partner is cheating, the way they interact with you can change. This may be because of guilt, and can range from love bombing and showing a lot of out-of-character affection to giving you the cold shoulder and blowing off your plans.

Leoni told news.com.au that those partaking in a holiday romp may even splash out on a ton of presents in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Watch for changes in how they handle their phone or personal devices – constant texting or taking calls in private might signal something’s off,” she added.

Excuses like work and shopping, as well as changes in how your SO interacts with your family, can be red flags (Getty Stock Image)

Too busy for socialising

If your significant other is too busy for your annual traditions, or is skirting commitments, such as going to see your parents, then they may have emotionally checked out. Moreover, insisting you head out alone is a sure sign that things aren’t right, as per Leoni.

She said that if they are keen for you to commit to plans that keep you occupied, then it may be an ‘attempt to strategically block out windows for their own secret meetings’.

Excuses about ‘too much work’

The expert revealed that adulterers ‘love’ to use work as an excuse for staying out, claiming that most partners won’t bat an eyelid.

This could be anything from working a lot later than usual to leaving the house claiming shift work, only to stray elsewhere.

Out-of-character ‘shopping’ outings

In-store Christmas shopping is a must for a lot of us, but if your SO is slinking away more often than not and using present perusing as an excuse? You may want to check that out.

According to a 2023 study, 39 percent of cheaters polled by Illicit Encounters were using holiday purchasing as an excuse for a festive fling.

Have you noticed your over half's behavior changing over the festive season? (Getty Stock Image)

Changes in behavior toward your family

Partner was once best buds with your dad, but has suddenly changed his tune? That’s shady, said the professional.

“If a partner is cheating, their behaviour towards family – especially the kids – can change too.

“You might find that they’re more distracted or short-tempered with your children, or conversely, they may shower them with extra attention to make up for guilt.”

Awkwardness and sudden distance are also apparently subtle signs of unfaithfulness.

A different kind of present

We've all seen that moment in Love Actually, right? When Emma Thompson’s character believes she’s getting a necklace, only for her to wind up with a Joni Mitchell CD while her husband’s bit on the side ends up sporting the jewellery.

Well, it’s not just blatant gifting like that which can raise red flags, according to the relationships expert.

Out-of-the-ordinary gifts could be a sign of cheating, according to the expert (Universal Pictures)

“The type of Christmas present your partner buys you can absolutely be a sign that something’s not quite right in your relationship,” she told the outlet.

Both over-the-top gifts and presents that lack a ‘personal touch’ can indicate that something isn’t right in paradise, she claimed.

Christmas party preparation

While some people bring their partners to their annual Christmas party, it isn’t always the norm - so don’t worry too much if you were left off the invite list.

However, you should take an interest if your partner is suddenly making a massive effort with their appearance, as per Leoni.

This can include everything from spending excessive time getting ready, having a fresh trim, or even taking in a present for a mystery colleague.

Leoni claimed that this was ‘peacocking for a specific’ audience.

According to Marriage.com, peacocking is the act of ‘standing out through bold fashion, exaggerated behavior, or confident body language to attract attention’.