Updated 24 January 2026
When choosing Christmas gifts for your domestic helpers, it’s important to consider their preferences, needs, and the nature of your relationship with them. Here are some thoughtful and practical gift ideas for 2025:
- Round-trip Flight Ticket To Home Country
Most domestic helpers would love to celebrate Christmas with their family in their home country, especially when they have been away from home for a long time. The round-trip flight tickets will cost around HK$900 – HK$1,800 depending on the airline and the dates. - Cash Bonus
Just like many other employees in Hong Kong, the handout of cash bonus will enlighten domestic helpers and motivate them to improve their work performance. If you are satisfied with your helper’s work performance this year, why not consider rewarding them with a generous bonus? - Gift Cards
Employers may consider giving domestic helpers gift cards to their favorite stores or online retailers. This allows them to choose what they truly need or want. - Food Baskets
Who doesn’t love food? You may put together a festive food basket with various holiday treats, snacks, and essentials and include items like chocolates, cookies, coffee, tea, and seasonal fruits. - Customized Gifts
You may consider buying personalized items, like a monogrammed apron, tote bag, or a custom calendar that can show that you’ve put thought into the gift. - Handmade Gifts
Since your helper has dedicated herself to preparing meals for your family daily, you may consider making homemade gifts like baked goods, candles, or handcrafted items to show your appreciation. - Spa or Wellness Gifts
Imagine working 12 hours straight for cleaning, taking care of children and cooking. It may cause a lot of body fatigue for your domestic helper. Thus, a spa gift certificate, aromatherapy products, or a massage pillow may help your domestic helper relax and unwind.
Remember to consider your helper’s cultural and religious background when selecting a gift, and be sure to respect any gift-giving traditions they may have. Thoughtfulness and consideration go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The Importance Of Christmas to Foreign Migrant Domestic Workers In Hong Kong
Christmas can hold varying levels of importance for foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, depending on their individual backgrounds, beliefs, and personal circumstances. For some, Christmas is a meaningful and significant holiday, while for others, it may not hold the same level of importance. Here are some factors to consider:
- Cultural and Religious Background: The importance of Christmas may be influenced by the cultural and religious background of the domestic worker. For those who are Christian, Christmas can be a highly significant and deeply cherished holiday, celebrated with religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Non-Christian workers may have a different perspective on Christmas.
- Homesickness and Family: Many foreign migrant domestic workers are far away from their families during the Christmas season, which can intensify feelings of homesickness. For those who prioritize family and traditions, Christmas may be particularly important as it represents a time when they wish to connect with their loved ones, even from a distance.
- Social and Community Factors: In Hong Kong, foreign domestic workers often form close-knit communities. Christmas can be an opportunity for them to come together, celebrate, and share their cultural traditions. These gatherings can be an essential source of emotional support and companionship during the holiday season.
- Economic Considerations: Christmas can also be important for financial reasons. Some workers may rely on holiday bonuses and gifts from their employers to help with expenses, especially when they are sending money home to support their families.
- Personal Preferences: Like anyone else, the importance of Christmas varies from person to person. Some workers may enjoy the festive atmosphere, decorations, and the opportunity to exchange gifts, while others may not place as much significance on these aspects of the holiday.
Ultimately, the importance of Christmas to foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong varies widely based on individual circumstances and personal beliefs. Employers should be respectful and considerate of their workers’ perspectives and traditions during this time, which can include providing time off for religious observances or offering support to help them celebrate the holiday in a way that is meaningful to them.
How Filipino Domestic Helpers Celebrate Christmas?
Filipino domestic helpers, like many Filipinos both in their home country and abroad, often celebrate Christmas in a warm and festive manner. Christmas is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated holidays in the Philippines, and its traditions and celebrations are deeply ingrained in the culture. Here’s how Filipino domestic helpers typically celebrate Christmas:
- Simbang Gabi: Many Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong participate in Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning Masses leading up to Christmas. This tradition is a way of honoring their religious faith and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
- Christmas Decorations: Filipino domestic helpers often decorate their living quarters with traditional Christmas decorations, including parol (star-shaped lanterns), Christmas lights, and other ornaments. These decorations create a festive atmosphere and a sense of home away from home.
- Noche Buena: Noche Buena is a special Christmas Eve feast that takes place after the midnight Mass on December 24th. Traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), bibingka (rice cake), and puto bumbong (purple rice cake) are served. This is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a grand meal.
- Gift-Giving: Gift-giving is a significant part of Filipino Christmas celebrations. Filipino domestic helpers often send or bring gifts for their loved ones back in the Philippines. They may also participate in gift exchanges with friends and fellow domestic workers in Hong Kong.
- Caroling: Caroling is a popular Christmas tradition in the Philippines. Groups of carolers go from house to house, singing traditional Christmas songs. Sometimes, Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong organize or join caroling groups to spread holiday cheer.
- Church Visits: Filipinos often attend church services on Christmas Day to offer prayers and thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year.
- Video Calls: Given that many Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong are separated from their families during the holiday season, video calls and messaging apps become essential for connecting with loved ones back in the Philippines. They use these technologies to share the joy of the holiday and maintain their emotional connections.
- Community Gatherings: Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong often come together to celebrate Christmas with their fellow workers and friends in the local community. These gatherings can include music, dancing, and the sharing of Filipino food and traditions.
- Remittances: Many domestic helpers use their Christmas bonuses and earnings to send remittances or gifts to their families in the Philippines, ensuring their loved ones can also enjoy a festive celebration.
Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong bring the rich traditions of Filipino Christmas celebrations with them, creating a sense of home and community during the holiday season, even while being far away from their families.
You might also be interested in:
- Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
- How To Hire A Domestic Helper Online?
- 10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress
- Relieve Shoulder Pain: Effective Stretching Exercises for Domestic Helpers
