Brace yourselves, Christmas is coming… How to involve your domestic helper during this family holiday?
December has arrived, and whether you already hung all the Christmas decorations and prepared the tree or not, we now have to turn our Christmas mode on.
Maybe you will stay in the city, maybe you and your family will go abroad, in both cases, you might wonder what your domestic helper’s plans are for logistics reasons. According to a HelperChoice survey, 21% of domestic helpers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and some Middle East countries (mostly Filipino) celebrate Christmas with their families, 20% with their friends and almost half go to church. Unfortunately, the rest of them have to work on Christmas, as employers in Hong Kong can choose to let their domestic helper take either Christmas Day or Chinese Winter Festival (22nd December) for the statutory holiday.
Another important question is: how can you reward your domestic helper for her great help this year? If you are looking for some inspirations, here is a list of Christmas gifts ideas!
A trip back home
Many Filipino domestic helpers hope to spend Christmas with their family for religious beliefs. Therefore, if your domestic helper does want to go back home, you might want to make this happen and buy her a flight ticket for Christmas.
If you want to do so, be aware that several airlines offer discounts specifically for domestic helpers, although it is not always mentioned on their website. So, make sure you call the airlines or travel agencies to ask if they have special rates!
Gifts for your domestic helper’s family
89% of domestic helpers will send gifts to their families[1] in a balikbayan box or bring the gifts with them directly if they are going back to their hometown for Christmas. It would be a nice gesture to participate in your domestic helper’s family holiday by offering gifts to her children or relatives. The most popular items[2] domestic helpers give their family are clothes, toys and gadgets.
Cooking and Baking classes
Many domestic helpers are looking forward to opening their own business back home one day, and therefore are willing to learn more about cooking and baking, especially when it comes to western style.
Tickets of amusement parks
Hong Kong has 2 famous amusement parks, which are Disneyland and Ocean Park. Whereas in Singapore, there are Universal Studio and Wildlife Reserves Parks. If your domestic helper loves the thrills of roller coasters or the enchanting atmosphere of these, do not hesitate to get her tickets as a Christmas gift.
The most important of all
Domestic helpers work hard all year to take care of our loved ones. Christmas wishes are the perfect way to show your domestic helper your gratitude for her work and contributions.
Gather the kids and together decorate a card, thank her for her hard work and let her know how grateful you are and how important she is for your family!
Merry Christmas!
[1] https://blog.helperchoice.com/survey-third-helpers-plan-offer-gift-christmas-employer
[2] https://blog.helperchoice.com/guidelines-balikbayan-boxes-hong-kong
