John Aiken's advice for dealing with conflict at Christmas

The Christmas holiday period is an exciting time, but when your relationships with your family members or your in-laws are fraught year-round, should COVID-19 permit gatherings on the big day, it's reasonable to expect that the conflict or stress won't have dissipated just because Santa has visited.

Luckily, relationship expert John Aiken has some advice for dealing with conflict on Christmas. Watch the video above to learn more.

Aiken advises that if you are aware that you're most likely going to be walking into a tumultuous situation, to have a pre-made plan in place for the day with your partner.

READ MORE: John Aiken's advice on managing money issues and Christmas expectations with your partner

"Make sure you're aware of who you want to avoid or the topics that you need to sidestep to keep things calm," Aiken says.

He also emphasises the importance of having your partner's back on the day.

"Don't throw your partner under the bus at any stage," the relationship expert stresses.

Another pearl of wisdom from Aiken is to ensure that going in, part of your plan is a time limit, so when you hit the time you agreed that you'll leave, you can peacefully "go on your merry way."

READ MORE: John Aiken's advice for dealing with being separated from your partner due to distance on Christmas

If the conflict, however, is due to your ex-partner, Aiken also has some advice for dealing with divorce on Christmas. Watch above.

Like with going into tricky Christmas lunches with strained relationships with your family, Aiken says when navigating separation at Christmastime, to go in with a "blueprint and have a plan of how you want the day to go."

Aiken also advises that when you do have to contact your ex-partner during the day, to be polite with your correspondence, and keep all contact "nice and short."

Lastly, Aiken says not to underestimate the emotional toll of having to manage situations like these.

"Reach out to your family and friends so you can debrief about Christmas time as a single person, and what's happened in your previous marriage, and now, your divorce," Aiken says.

"Lean on them. They're going to be there for you."