Our nannies work with families all over the world and with clients of virtually all faith groups: for some, Christmas is a very big deal; for others, the day will come and go without much fuss. Likewise, our nannies all have their own individual attitudes towards and expectations of Christmas.
For many of us, Christmas is synonymous with time spent amongst our own families and taking a break from work, but these are two expectations that nannies might have to adjust when they choose to work abroad, for example.
We have put together a few important things for our nannies to consider as Christmas approaches, from cultural tips to conversations to have with your employers.
Follow their Lead:
Whatever Christmas means to you, beware that your clients might have very different ideas about how the holiday is marked with their children. This time of year might hold deeply religious significance to you, for example, but your clients might take a more generalised view of Christmas and object to you leading nativity-themed activities or singing religious carols, for example. If in doubt, always ask your employers what they are comfortable with.
Check your Hours:
It might have previously been a given that Christmas meant time off work, but do not make assumptions and check what help your employers expect from you over Christmas. Being December already, our nannies working abroad will have booked their flights home by now if they’re taking holiday over the festive period, and weekly nannies working locally to home might automatically have the time off for family celebrations as Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, but it is still worth having that conversation with your clients.
To Gift or not to Gift?:
Lots of nannies deliberate over this decision: should you get your employers and charges Christmas gifts? You can only use your own judgement here and shouldn’t feel awkward about how much (or little) you can afford to spend. Thoughtful gestures are just as lovely, so why not surprise your employers with something crafted and personalised by the children, like handprinted Christmas baubles? If you’re a master baker, a pretty plate of warm mince pies is a gorgeous treat, or you could even give them a ‘babysitting voucher’ for one free night’s sitting if this would seem appropriate.
Different Tasks:
If your employers are celebrating Christmas (as many will do) and you are taking some time off work over the period, ask what you can do in the coming weeks to help them prepare for their own celebrations and for your absence. From batch cooking and freezing party food to wrapping gifts and preparing guest rooms, there are things you can do perhaps instead of your regular housekeeping tasks, to compensate for your absence over the festive period.
Being pre-emptive is always the way to avoid potential conflict or confusion further down the line.