How to Make Extra Money During Christmas

While the Christmas season is traditionally a time to spend extra money, it is also a great opportunity to make some extra cash. Here are three ways to make some extra money during the holiday season, that most anyone can do.

Craft Sales

If you are the crafty type, consider selling your wares at holiday craft sales held throughout October, November and December. Christmas tree ornaments, handmade mittens and hats, or other Christmas decorations can be made up months ahead of time. For a modest table fee, vendors can sell their wares at craft fairs throughout the holiday season. Contact local chambers of commerce for information on craft fairs within driving distance of your home. The big drawback of craft fairs is that they are held primarily on the weekend, so don't make any plans.

Catering & Waiting Tables

Catering holiday parties is a good way to earn extra money at Christmas, so long as you know how to cook for a crowd. Begin planning your Christmas catering menu several months in advance. Once you have figured out how much you need to charge in order to make a profit, then print up flyers or brochures and pass them out to local businesses. You can offer full holiday meals, appetizers, or just bake pies and other holiday desserts.

Don't cook? There is no reason you cannot help cater holiday parties. Serving food for a catered party or making deliveries is the perfect entry-level position for people who can listen and follow directions. In addition, after one or two parties, most people master the basics of catering. Ask local caterers if they need help during the Christmas season. Many small catering companies, such as the ones that people run out their own kitchen, need extra help during the holiday season for small parties and deliveries.

Many restaurants and caterers need extra staff during the holiday season, to help with Christmas parties. If you have experience waiting tables, don't be shy about approaching a restaurant owner or manager about hiring you on just for the holiday season. They may welcome the chance to hire someone with experience, who is willing to work only during the busy season. Increase your chances of a hire by offering to work New Years Eve, as well as the holiday season. Since New Year's Eve is one of the busiest nights at many restaurants, owners or managers often need one or two extra servers just for that night.

Christmas Wreaths and Garlands

If you have access to evergreen trees, then you should consider making Christmas wreaths, garlands and other greenery to sell. A good way to sell you Christmas greenery is to approach businesses, such as restaurants or shops and offer to hang the decorations as part of the cost. Busy business owners will often welcome the chance to have someone else do the decorating, freeing them up to focus on work. Unless you own the land that your are taking the greenery from, be sure to ask permission before going out and cutting limbs off other peoples trees.

Other Ways to Make Money During Christmas

Offer a childcare service. Not all parties are for children. Parents will welcome a chance to escape without the kids for a night out. Offer a gift-wrapping service. Many people dislike wrapping Christmas gifts and they would gladly pay someone else to do it for them. Retail stores and grocery stores will often hire just for the Christmas season. You can apply for cashiering, stocking shelves or working the sales floor.

No matter how you plan to make extra money during the Christmas season, it is important to start early. Don't wait until December to start making Christmas crafts or begin hunting for a job at a restaurant. Talk to potential employers in September, and follow up in October, to show them that you do indeed want to work during the Christmas season.