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Merry Christmas Mary Poppins!
That wacky holiday season is upon us again. Lights go up, trees go up, wreaths go up, prices go up, and hopefully, spirits go up. Everyone is trying desperately to find that perfect gift, that special something for that special someone. But as hard as buying for your husband's uncle is, as hard as buying for your dad's trashy girlfriend is, as hard as buying for your mother-in-law is, nothing, I repeat NOTHING is as hard as buying a gift for your boss when you're a nanny. You'd think that it would be simple. You're in their house everyday. You know what foods they like to eat, what brand of wine they like to drink, what style of clothes they like to wear, what genre of books they like to read, heck, you even know what line of deodorant they like to use. It should be downright elementary. But when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the get-it-or-forget-it time of actually making that purchase, the mind goes blank. So many questions arise at such a precarious moment, standing in the store with an item in your hands, unsure of whether or not to put it back, talking out loud to yourself. Should I get this? Will they like it? Do they need it? Is it enough? Is it too much? Ah, the joys of Christmas. I'll have my headache giftwrapped please. The employers have it easy. They are generally the more financially-abled of the relationship so gift giving comes easy, if not thoughtfully. I recall getting a pair of gold earrings once (talk about a shocker!), which shone somewhat brilliantly in comparison to my Easy Meals In Minutes cookbook. But hey, I was going for thought! A busy mom, three kids, easy meals. Perfect. A time-saver worth every bit as much as gold. In my present job, I have successively received two of the most beautiful picture frames, a home decorating book, and another picture frame. These were all very lovely gifts, all very useful, and all very expensive. What did I get THEM, you ask? Multi vitamins and Preparation H. Sounds charming, I know, but trust me, there's a joke behind them and I won't put you through the explanation. In all honesty, though, there was more than those two gifts in the package and it was all very thoughtfully put together. She works out, so I got her vitamins and workout clothes and he hunts so I got him hunting gear and attire, and never you mind where the Prep H comes in! The little ones are easy to buy for. I take him to the mall and he points out what he likes, or I notice what's missing in his day and fill it in. That is not the problem. The problem is mom and dad. I always worry, what are they getting me? What if I don't like it? How expensive was it? Is my gift around the same? Am I going to have to fake surprise if its something I've seen in the house already? How expensive was it? How expensive was it? How expensive was it? I know that sounds terrible and so incredibly un-spiritual, but when you're working for people with expensive tastes, it just feels important to measure up. It's sad that the most wonderful time of the year has become a harried, rushed and expensive holiday. That goes for all relationships, not just the employer/employee. The nanny/family relationship is so different though. You know these people well, you love their child like your own, yet you don't get together for family barbecues, their friends don't know your friends, and while there is a definite closeness, there is also a definite distance. Should the gift be personal, should it be general? Who knows? Only the ones involved can tell. This year, however, I am at a loss. The kid is covered though. His gift is bought, bagged and below the tree already. I think mom and dad probably have enough picture frames, enough candleholders, and certainly enough cookbooks to last them through his college years! Perhaps this year I'll give a gift you cannot buy. A certificate for a night of free sitting. Maybe even a whole weekend. I think they'd appreciate that. I can always throw in some bubble bath, a little wine, some nice glasses...(the gift you cannot buy just got decidedly more expensive! Sheesh.) Whatever you chose to give, give with it an abundance of love, happiness and good wishes. And bosses, if you're looking for something to give your nanny? Try a cash bonus. Simple, easy, thoughtful, and taken care of as fast as you can sign your John Henry. Gifts are truly wonderful, and if nothing else, incredibly appreciated. But a cheque for no reason can smack a smile on that lasts until New Years!
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