There is no set rule regarding national holidays for au pairs. However, in the beginning you should discuss with your host family which holidays you will have off. Some au pairs get American holidays off, particularly if the host family has the day off from work. If you would prefer to have your country’s national holidays off, please discuss this with your host family ahead of time but keep in mind that if the host parents need to work they may need you to as well. Keep in mind that the family is not required to give you holidays off, so try not to ask for too many.
An open discussion about holidays in the beginning can prevent larger problems later. When you have reached an agreement, you should write down what holidays you will be expected to work, so there is no confusion in the future.
January
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on the 16th
February
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th
March
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th
April
Easter
April Fool’s Day is celebrated on April 1st
May
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May
June
Summer vacation begins and schools close.
Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June
July
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th
September
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September
October
Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12th
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st
November
Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11th
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the last Thursday of November
December
Chanukah (a Jewish holiday) and Christmas are celebrated.
New Year’s Eve