Thanksgiving in London: A Guide for Nannies
Thanksgiving may be an American tradition, but it's increasingly celebrated by expat families in London. As a nanny working in the capital, you might find yourself helping families prepare for this special day. Here's how you can make Thanksgiving memorable for the children in your care while embracing the unique London setting.
Understanding Thanksgiving in a London Context
Many American families living in London maintain their Thanksgiving traditions, even though it's not a UK holiday. This means children might have school on Thanksgiving Day, and finding traditional ingredients can require some planning. As a nanny, your flexibility and creativity will be invaluable in helping families celebrate.
Activities Nannies Can Organise
Crafts and Decorations
Create hand-print turkeys: A classic Thanksgiving craft that children love
Make gratitude trees: Help children write what they're thankful for on paper leaves
Design place cards: Let children create personalised cards for the Thanksgiving table
Autumn leaf collages: Collect leaves from London parks and create seasonal artwork
Educational Activities
Read Thanksgiving stories: Share age-appropriate books about the holiday's history and traditions
Cultural comparison: Discuss how Thanksgiving differs from UK harvest festivals
Geography lessons: Show children where America is on a map and talk about different traditions
Cooking Projects
Bake pumpkin pie: Involve children in measuring and mixing ingredients
Make cranberry sauce: A simple recipe that children can help with
Prepare sweet potato dishes: Let older children help with peeling and mashing
Bake bread rolls: Kneading dough is both fun and therapeutic for children
Managing the Day
If you're working on Thanksgiving Day itself, here's how to support the family:
School run flexibility: Be prepared for an earlier pickup if the family wants to start celebrations early
Kitchen assistance: Help with food prep, setting the table, or keeping children entertained while parents cook
Guest coordination: If the family is hosting, help welcome guests and look after children during the meal
Entertainment planning: Organise activities to keep children occupied during long cooking times
Creating New Traditions
Encourage families to blend American and British traditions:
Afternoon tea twist: Suggest serving pumpkin scones or cranberry Victoria sponge
London gratitude walk: Take children on a walk through a local park to discuss what they're thankful for
International flavours: Incorporate British seasonal vegetables into traditional recipes
Resources for Nannies
American expat groups: Connect with other nannies working for American families
Pinterest boards: Find child-friendly Thanksgiving activities and recipes
Local libraries: Borrow Thanksgiving-themed children's books
Nanny networks: Share tips and experiences with colleagues
Thanksgiving in London offers a wonderful opportunity to broaden children's cultural horizons while maintaining important family traditions. As a nanny, your enthusiasm, creativity, and support can help make this American holiday feel special, even thousands of miles from home. Whether you're crafting with the children, helping in the kitchen, or simply being present during this family-focused celebration, your role is invaluable in creating lasting memories.