The holiday season can be a delightful (yet chaotic) time for families, and you can get ahead of inevitable stress and make this period more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some practical tips to make things a little more “Joy to the World” and a lot less “Bah Humbug”.
Communicate Early and Often: Start now! Have a conversation about your employer’s plans for the holiday season. Outline a calendar of activities, including holiday parties, family gatherings, and any special outings. Go over any additional responsibilities that may arise.
Share Your Availability: Clearly communicate your availability during the holidays. This will help the family plan better and reduce last-minute surprises. If possible, providing availability before the holidays, ideally a month in advance, can benefit both the nanny and the family.
Plan Activities: Daily Routines: Maintain some consistency in daily routines when possible. Children thrive on routine, and keeping familiar activities can help reduce stress. Organize fun holiday-themed activities, such as crafting homemade decorations or baking festive cookies. These can create memorable experiences while helping to keep the children entertained.
Be Proactive About Gift-Related Tasks: Offer to help with gift shopping or, if possible, organize a gift list for the family to streamline the process and avoid last-minute rushes.
Wrapping Gifts: If the family is overwhelmed, volunteer to help wrap gifts. This can be a fun activity, especially if the children participate.
Incorporate Learning: Use holiday activities as learning opportunities. Discuss traditions from different cultures, introduce new holiday recipes, or incorporate educational games related to the season. Pinterest is a great resource for finding holidays activities for kids (ours is linked here!).
Stay Flexible: The holidays often come with surprises. Be prepared to adapt plans as needed, whether it’s a change in family plans or a new child-related task.
Practice Self-Care: We know, we know, this term has been way overused!! But is there any better time for it?? Keep in mind that you’re also part of the holiday dynamics. Make time for self-care to recharge, whether through a quiet moment, exercise, or engaging with friends. Set boundaries, know your limits, and communicate them effectively. It’s essential to maintain a work-life balance, even during the holidays.
By preparing ahead of time, communicating with your employer family, and maintaining a focus on both the children’s entertainment and your well-being, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday season. Embrace the chaos, spread joy, and remember that you play an essential role in creating holiday memories for the families you care for.
A Note About Nanny Employer Gifts:
If you’re wondering whether you need to buy your employer an expensive gift during the holidays, the answer is no! A heartfelt joint craft created by you and the kids is a sweet and thoughtful way to show appreciation. Another option is to gift the children a small present, paired with a “date night” coupon for the parents that offers them 3-4 hours of free time (don’t forget to add an expiration date). This thoughtful gesture gives the parents an opportunity to enjoy a night out, making the holiday season special for everyone.
Please reach out to staffing specialists Melanie or Elena if you need any additional suggestions – they may have bonus tips since they were former nannies themselves!
