“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Busy parents might disagree with these lyrics as they hum along to this famous Christmas song. Frantic and stressful could be a better way to describe the run-up to the holidays.

So, how do you stay calm and meet the family’s expectations? It’s all about having a plan so you’re always in control. Find out how to make the season easy on yourself with a Christmas list no parent should be without. 

Keep A Level-Headed Perspective

It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas. However, you need to be careful that by doing so, it doesn’t become an obsession. We’ve broken down the ideal strategy into four key elements: presents, decorations, holidays and food. 

Gifts and Cards

Not everyone has the time or inclination to buy the bulk of their presents in the January sales for the following Christmas. Others leave it to the last minute, grabbing randomly in panic. A reasonable balance lies somewhere in between.

First up, decide on a budget and make a list of everyone on your Christmas list. It’s worth considering some enlightened alternatives to the norm.

You could, for example, make a Secret Santa pact between all the close relatives on your list with a strict per-person price limit. Or, you could suggest donations to a charity instead of gifts with the proviso that everyone gets something to open from a 2-dollar store.

The kids fall under a slightly different category. If possible, make a special note on your smartphone just for ideas.

Write down anything the kids have had their eye on over the year. Consult with your nanny to see if they’ve picked up on anything. You could also ask the kids to send you online links to what they want. They may be better at navigating online shops than you!

You could follow the tried and tested four gift rules, too:

• Something they want
• Something they need
• Something to wear
• Something to read

Christmas Gifts for Your Nanny

Nannies and au pairs need to feel valued, so they mustn’t miss out on a Christmas gift.

Ask any employee what they’d like for Christmas, and most might say, “A pay rise.” So rather than trying to second guess what your nanny or au pair might want, say it with cash. But how much is too much, and how much is too little?

A reasonable sum would be between 1 and 2 weeks’ net salary. However, you need to factor in their performance and length of service as well as your own financial well-being.

Christmas Cards

Physical cards almost seem like a relic from a bygone era. However, they’re helpful for keeping in touch with friends and relatives overseas. You can check out all the latest postal dates here.

Christmas Decorations

The best way to get the right look for your home is to buy your decorations in person. Some that look great online can turn out to be tacky or cheap once they arrive. You’re also likely to have more protection against dangerous goods if you buy from a physical store.

Buying decorations and putting them up is a big part of the build-up and excitement that make Christmas what it is. Get the kids involved by asking them to do a bit of creative crafting.

They could make some Christmas ornaments with polymer clay, for example. Or, use glitter, old jam jars and glycerine for their very own holiday season snow globes.

A tree is a must, but should it be artificial or real? Artificial ones have come a long way, can look totally realistic, are less hassle and you get to use them every year. You can also spray them with a pine scent for extra effect. However, if the tree has to be real:

• Make sure you buy it freshly cut
• Put it straight into a bucket of water once you get it home
• Only use LED lights as they remain cool to the touch
• Place the tree in the coolest part of the home

Christmas Holidays

It’s an attractive idea to book a Christmas getaway, but it can be costly. You may also find you’re fighting with the crowds for space wherever it is you choose to go. Travelling by air on Christmas Day itself or between Christmas and New Year can work out far cheaper.

Sort your nanny or aunt pair’s leave well in advance. For many people, Christmas is a time to spend with the family. Nannies are no different, so it’s essential to have clarity as early as possible to manage expectations and avoid disappointment.

Christmas Meals

Organisation is key. Prep all the veg the night before. You can even parboil root vegetables for 5 minutes in advance. Roasting veggies on the day with plenty of seasoning will give them the best flavour.

If you’re cooking meat, take it out of the fridge well in advance so it’s at room temperature when you start the cooking process. Once you’ve roasted any meat, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Vegetarian guests can make meat-eating cooks look like startled rabbits caught in the headlights. Always have a veggie option up your sleeve. You’ll find an impressive and quick mushroom tarte tatin recipe here. You can adapt it with your own choice of added extras such as chestnuts, to make it a bit more Christmassy.

And make the dessert even more straightforward by ordering in your pavlova!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

No Christmas planning would be complete without consideration of your nanny or au pair. Don’t get caught out. Make sure you have a plan for the holiday season that has considered their expectations.

Pay The Nanny can help by ensuring you’re bang up to date with the rules around leave entitlement. We’ll also keep track of your nanny’s leave so that you have one less thing to think about over the busy holiday season.

Sign up today, and let us sort out all your nanny payroll needs.