Christmas Bonus for Helper

[Bonus]

Hi,

Anyone got ideas on how much to give our helper at Christmas? She'll have been with us just three months but we'd like to give her some money.

[Anne]

We've always given ours $50 in a nice Christmas card - as we did not give a bonus at other times like Chinese New Year which neither our family nor the maid celebrate. We don't give a 13 month bonus either (I don't know if locals do give bonuses to their maids at this time of year but my husband does not get a 13 month bonus, so Christmas seems to be the most appropriate time).  

[Rob]

I give my part time maid 1mths bonus at Christmas - without her, my life would be a disaster  

[MCI]

We give our live-in maid an extra month. I think she deserves this and it,s christmas.
Most of us go home or have expensive dinners or give even more expensive presents. She will stay here and has to send money home etc.etc.

[maid]

$50 ? Is that all, hmmmm think i will follow others and give one month bonus.

[Bonus]

I was thinking of a month .. but was wondering about it only being 3 months so far. Okay sounds reasonable I would hate to disappoint her! Do I also do Chinese New Year and Birthday?

[YW]

If she has only been with you three months, then suggest you pro rata the extra month's bonus, ie, pay her a quarter of a full month.  When next Christmas comes along, if you are still satisfied with her, then you can pay her a full month's bonus.  I generally give our maid an extra $50 on top of the bonus as her present and also give a Hong Bao (red packet) at Chinese New Year and on her birthday.  Of course, you can just give her presents at Xmas or on her birthday but it's always a red packet at CNY.