Childcare during the holidays often looks very different from childcare during the rest of the year. Schedules shift, events multiply, travel increases, and families often need more hands-on support to keep everything running smoothly. If this sounds familiar, understanding expectations, legal requirements, and available options can help you create a season that feels joyful rather than stressful. With the right preparation, this process can be seamless for both families and nannies.

Let’s break down what’s reasonable to ask of your nanny, what overtime rules are required, and how to find reliable temporary coverage when your nanny is unavailable.

1) Why Childcare During the Holidays Requires Extra Planning

Childcare during the holidays often includes additional tasks, longer hours, and out-of-routine responsibilities. School breaks, holiday concerts, travel plans, family gatherings, and holiday parties all increase the childcare load. For many families, this is when a nanny becomes truly essential.

However, childcare during the holidays should always fall within legal, ethical, and industry-standard expectations. Just because demands increase does not mean structure and fairness should decrease, nor does it mean your nanny will automatically be available for all extra shifts. A clear plan ensures your nanny feels respected and supported while your family enjoys the season with less pressure and a reliable set of hands you know you can trust. 

2) What You Can Reasonably Expect from Your Nanny During the Holidays

Most professional nannies understand that childcare during the holidays may require added flexibility, and flexibility is a part of the job, after all. But clarity is key. Here’s our take on  additional requests when the season gets busy:

a) Occasional Extended Hours

Families often need additional coverage for festive events, school closures, or hosting obligations. It is reasonable to request extra hours from your nanny, provided you discuss it in advance and compensate them according to your employment agreement and state laws.

b) Help with Holiday-Related Childcare Tasks

This might include:

• supervising children while you host a gathering
• assisting with holiday crafts, activities, or outings
• helping children prepare for school breaks or travel
• organizing playdates and activities during school closures

That said, if your nanny’s focus is on childcare (unlike a family assistant, for example), tasks should remain child-focused. Therefore, your nanny shouldn’t be asked to focus on things like deep cleaning, party prep, adult errands, or event staffing during the holidays unless your contract clearly includes family-assistant responsibilities.

c) Limited Travel Support

If your family travels during the holidays, your nanny may be willing to join, especially if travel was a part of the job description. Either way, travel should be agreed upon in advance, compensated fully, and include overtime compliance as per your state’s laws, daily per diems, and guaranteed rest time.

3) Holiday Overtime Rules Families Must Follow

Childcare during the holidays does not pause labor laws. In fact, it often triggers them more frequently. Here are the rules that most California families must follow for their household employee:

a) Daily Overtime

More than 8 hours in one day must be paid at time and a half.

b) Weekly Overtime

More than 40 hours in one week must be paid at time and a half.

c) Household Employee Status

Nannies are classified as household employees, not independent contractors. This means holiday shifts, extra event coverage, and travel days must be paid with full compliance.

d) Holiday Rates Are Not Required, But They Are Appreciated

While time-and-a-half pay for working on holidays is not legally required for domestic employees, many families choose to offer holiday rates as a gesture of goodwill.

Remember: childcare during the holidays can be busier, more demanding, and come with higher expectations to bring the holiday magic and act as a pillar of stability. So clear, respectful compensation helps maintain strong working relationships.

4) Temporary Care Options If Your Nanny is Unavailable

The reality is that nannies also have families and holiday commitments, along with some well-deserved time off. If you need childcare during the holidays and your nanny cannot work additional hours, here are some alternatives:

a) Hire a Temporary or On-Call Nanny

Your local agency may be able to provide vetted backup caregivers trained for seasonal support. Give your local agencies a call and ask them if they provide temporary or on-call childcare options. 

b) Book Specialized Event Childcare

For holiday parties or gatherings, some agencies offer event nannies who supervise children throughout the event so parents can enjoy adult time.

c) Check for Overnight or Travel Specialists

If your schedule includes late-night events or travel, consider temporary care providers who focus on those exact needs.

d) Ask Loved Ones for Referrals

Prefer to go with a tried-and-true caregiver? Ask around! This is a great opportunity to ask friends, neighbors, and local online communities if they work with caregivers who provide on-call care. 

Whatever option you choose, make sure any temporary caregiver is vetted, background checked, and legally paid.

5) How to Set Up Your Nanny for Success During the Holiday Season

Childcare during the holidays works best when families communicate clearly. Share your anticipated schedule as early as possible. Put requests, hours, compensation details, and travel expectations in writing. Ask your nanny what their holiday plans are as well so both sides can prepare.

A few quick tips:

• Provide your holiday calendar early
• Confirm overtime rules in writing
• Avoid asking for last-minute shifts unless absolutely necessary
• Offer appreciation for increased flexibility
• Do your best to make space for your nanny to request time off, too
• Clarify off days

Your nanny is part of the support system that makes the holidays magical. When you respect their time, boundaries, and well-being, the entire season runs smoothly.

6) The Bottom Line

Childcare during the holidays does not need to feel chaotic. With thoughtful planning, clear expectations, and legal compliance, your family can enjoy the season with joy and confidence. Whether your nanny is available for extra help or you explore temporary coverage options, the goal remains the same: a holiday season that feels warm, supported, and stress-free.

Westside Nannies is here to help you navigate seasonal staffing, find backup care, and prepare your household for the busiest time of the year. If you need additional support, we are only a message away.