We don’t have to tell you: The holiday season is beyond busy. Whether you’re a full-time nanny or a part-time sitter, pretty much all caregivers are getting more requests to help, more than any other time of the year. The truth is, families are relying on you to manage (and make) work parties, school events, shopping excursions, travel, and more.
In fact, holiday caregiving is in a category all its own, with high demand, irregular hours, and sometimes even sacrificing your own personal celebrations. That’s why it’s important to holiday rates that feel fair. Sure, many sitters might feel unsure about what to charge, when to charge more, or how to chat about holiday pricing without feeling awkward. That’s why our guide is here to help you navigate season with confidence.
Why Do Holiday Rates Matter?
Caregiving during the holidays often requires later nights, last-minute changes, extra tasks, and, you guessed it, working on New Year’s Eve. Your support enables parents the chance to celebrate, travel, or simply catch a breather, so your rate should reflect your commitment and flexibility.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an occasional sitter, a regular after-school caregiver, or a full-time nanny who hasn’t taken a day off in months — your time matters, especially during the holidays.
Is It Okay to Charge More During the Holidays?
Yes. Sitters often increase their hourly rates during peak holiday periods such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Hanukkah nights, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, or the last two weeks in December. For holiday shifts, most sitters up their rate by 15–25% for holiday shifts. For example, if the usual rate you’ve negotiated $20/hour, your holiday rate may be $23–25/hour. That elevated rate reflects the fact that you’re working when demand is higher, jobs might run later than usual, and schedules could be unpredictable. It’s not overcharging — it’s what’s happening in all kinds of industries this season.
How to Communicate Your Holiday Rates Professionally
Increasing your rates, even by a little bit, might feel uncomfortable, but it’s helpful if you are clear in your communication. Also, it’s important to remember that your work is valuable and you deserve to be compensated for your hard work. A few suggested messages:
“Hi! I’m updating my holiday availability and rates. Because of high demand during the holiday season, my rate from December 15 and January 1 will be $X per hour. I’ll always confirm the rate before a booking. Looking forward to supporting you this holiday season!”
“Hi! Thanks for reaching out. My holiday rate between December 15 and January 1 is $X per hour. Let me know what times you need — I’d love to help if I’m available!”
“Hi! My New Year’s Eve rate this year is $X/hour or X flat rate. If you’d like to move forward, I’m happy to help with your NYE plans!”
A few helpful hints:
- Share your rate with confidence and clarity
- Share your rate upfront — never after the job
- Skip apologizing for charging more
- Use matter-of-fact language
- Update your Sittercity profile to reflect holiday availability
Final Holiday Thoughts: Your Time Matters
Parents depend on sitters and nannies like you more than ever during the holidays — and your work makes all their celebrations possible. You definitely deserve to be compensated for your time, flexibility, and dedication. Now, go on: Update your Sittercity profile and start applying to jobs that work for you!
