Festive Seasons With Your Domestic Helper: Navigating CNY, Hari Raya, Deepavali & Christmas in Singapore
Updated: Aug 16
Singapore's multicultural calendar packs Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas close together. Managing these well with your helper strengthens your bond and creates lasting goodwill.
At a Glance: Festive Seasons & Your Helper
Helpers are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year; working on one means extra pay or a replacement off day.
CNY — give ang bao (S$8–S$28), allow her to call home, consider extra off days after.
Hari Raya Puasa — her most important festival if Muslim; give the day off and consider duit raya.
Deepavali — a day off for temple visits, small gifts or sweets, let her dress traditionally.
Christmas — consider a bonus or token gift; allow church attendance if Christian.
Festival Quick Reference
Festival | Who values it most | What to do |
Chinese New Year | Chinese helpers | Ang bao, call home, extra off days |
Hari Raya Puasa | Muslim helpers | Day off, duit raya, prayer time |
Deepavali | Hindu helpers | Temple visit, sweets, traditional dress |
Christmas | Christian helpers | Bonus/token gift, church attendance |
Public Holidays: What MOM Says
Domestic helpers are entitled to 11 paid public holidays per year. If she works on a public holiday, she is entitled to extra pay or a replacement off day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are domestic helpers entitled to public holidays in Singapore?
Yes — helpers are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year. If she works on one, she gets extra pay or a replacement off day.
How much ang bao should I give my helper at CNY?
A typical ang bao is S$8–S$28. Let her call home during reunion dinner and acknowledge extra CNY preparation work.
Do I need to give my helper Christmas off?
Not by law, but if she is Christian, allowing church attendance and sharing festive food is a meaningful gesture. A bonus or token gift is common.
What is duit raya?
A green packet (money gift) given during Hari Raya Puasa, similar to ang bao. It is a valued gesture for a Muslim helper.
Can my helper work on a public holiday?
Yes, but she is then entitled to extra pay or a replacement rest day — plan this with her in advance.
Contact iHome Agency — WhatsApp 8042 6581 · EA Licence 26C3446 · Punggol & Northshore specialist.
