What Families Should Know About Holiday Overtime & Nanny Pay
There’s something about December that feels both magical and completely overwhelming. The lights are twinkling, the kids are excited, school breaks sneak up out of nowhere, and suddenly your calendar looks like a puzzle created by someone who doesn’t like you very much.
And in the middle of all that?
Your nanny—the steady heartbeat helping your home move through the chaos with something that resembles grace.
That’s why understanding holiday overtime and nanny pay isn’t just a box to check.
It’s part of building a relationship that feels respectful, mutual, and deeply human… especially during a season where time and emotions run high.
Holiday Overtime Isn’t Optional—It’s Federal (Sometimes)
For many nannies—especially live‑out nannies—Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protections apply. That means:
More than 40 hours in a workweek = overtime pay
Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 × their regular hourly rate
All hours “on duty” — including times when the nanny must be present in the home and ready to work — count as hours worked.
That said: if a nanny is “live‑in” (i.e. resides in the employer’s home), the rules may differ depending on whether they are employed directly by the family or through an agency/third‑party employer.
Working a Holiday Doesn’t Automatically Mean Double Pay
There’s a common idea that if a nanny works on a holiday, they must be paid “holiday pay” or “double time.” Legally? Not exactly.
The law doesn’t mandate “holiday pay” just because it’s a holiday. Holidays are treated like any other day in terms of overtime requirements.
That said — many families choose to offer premium holiday pay as a gesture of thanks and goodwill. It’s not required, but often appreciated (and considered good practice especially around major holidays).
Think of premium holiday pay as a kindness bonus, not a legal obligation.
When Holiday Hours Become Holiday Overtime
Holiday hours only trigger overtime pay if:
The total hours worked during the week exceed 40 hours (or applicable threshold), or
The nanny lives in a jurisdiction with stricter daily overtime/“over‑time after X hours per day” laws.
So for example:
If your nanny works 8 hours on Christmas but the total weekly hours remain under 40 → regular pay (unless you choose to offer premium pay).
If by adding holiday hours your nanny crosses 40 hours for the week → the extra hours must be paid at time‑and‑a‑half, on top of whatever holiday premium pay (if any) you offer.
Should Families Offer Premium Holiday Pay?
Yes — and here’s why it matters more than just money:
December is emotional for everyone.
Kids feel extra feelings. Parents feel extra pressure.
And nannies? They may be sacrificing their own holiday plans, time with loved ones, and personal rest — to care for your family.
Offering premium holiday pay is one of the kindest, most respectful ways to acknowledge that.
Common practices among families who value their nannies:
Holiday hours paid at 1.5 × hourly rate, or
2× (double) pay on major holidays
Not because it’s required — because it feels right.
Guaranteed Hours Still Matter (Even on Holiday Weeks)
If your nanny contract includes guaranteed hours (e.g. “we guarantee 40 hours per week”), keep in mind:
Holiday weeks don’t automatically cancel that guarantee.
If on a holiday your nanny doesn’t work, but guaranteed hours are part of their agreement — they should still be paid for those hours.
Guaranteed hours help provide stability, especially during holiday travel, school breaks, or family time.
Communicate Holiday Expectations Early
One of the kindest gifts you can give a nanny during holiday season: clarity. Sit down with them before the holidays begin — ideally by late November — and discuss:
Which days you expect them to work (holidays, travel days, extended family gatherings)
What their rate will be (regular vs holiday)
Whether overtime will apply — and what qualifies
Expectations for travel, on‑call, or additional duties
Clear communication = less stress, more trust, smoother holidays.
Put Holiday Pay & Overtime Policies In Writing
Because December is busy and things change — fast. Having a written agreement saves everyone from confusion or hurt feelings. Make sure your contract (or nanny agreement) includes:
Holiday policy (which days are paid holidays, premium pay rates)
Overtime calculation rules
Guaranteed hours (if any)
Expectations on travel, on‑call, schedule changes
If you want guidance on how to draft this kind of agreement, there are tools and checklists available from trusted nanny‑industry organizations.
Your Nanny Has a Family, Too — Honor That
The holidays tug at everyone. Your nanny might be missing their own family dinner to care for your toddler. They might be skipping their cousin’s party because your newborn doesn’t do well with evening disruptions.
Their sacrifice is quiet—but real.
If your nanny is supporting you during the most emotional, nostalgic month of the year, consider giving:
A little extra holiday pay
A thoughtful bonus
A flexible day off later
A handwritten card (yes, they matter)
Small gestures like these echo far louder than you’d expect.
If You Take Nothing Else From This…
Holiday overtime and nanny pay aren’t just compliance topics.
They’re relationship topics.
They say:
We value you.
We see your work.
We want to invest in a long, healthy partnership.
That’s where we come in.
How Hunny Nanny Agency Can Help
We believe families and nannies thrive when expectations are clear, communication is kind, and pay is handled with confidence — not confusion.
We help families:
Set up fair holiday pay structures
Understand overtime laws and obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and beyond
Build healthy, written nanny agreements
Navigate holiday schedules — including travel, family events, on‑call support
Find exceptional, trustworthy nannies who feel like part of the family
And we help nannies feel supported, respected, and educated about their rights and worth.
If this season has you feeling overwhelmed — or you’re ready to hire a nanny who brings calm to the holiday chaos — we’re here for you.
Discover how Hunny Nanny Agency can support your family.
Hunny Nanny Agency — Where families feel supported and nannies feel valued.
