6 Creative Ways to Make Money during Christmas

Most people break the bank after excess Christmas shopping.  Between gifts, food, decoration, the Christmas tree and lighting, little money is left over.  Instead of spending your hard earned cash during Christmas, how about changing things around and *making* some money?

We’ve come up with a few ways to make some extra money this season, and help your pockets fill out with that much needed cash!

1) Gift wrapping for the neighborhood

Are you skilled at wrapping gifts? Some people have a natural talent at gift wrapping, artfully making packages look even better wrapped than unwrapped. If that sounds like you, why not consider opening a temporary gift wrapping service from home? Buy ribbons and paper wrap and put out flyers by your area. People without the time or patience for gift wrapping will be happy to hire you for a few bucks!

2) Handmade cards & gift tag

If you’re a gifted craftster or graphic designer, you could make beautiful cards and gift tags to sell online or in your community. It will be cheaper for people to buy from you than the over-priced Christmas cards at the store. Plus, you can personalize it based on requests, and you could set up an Etsy shop to receive orders beyond your neighborhood.

3) Sell your junk

Now is your best chance to sell everything that you don’t need. Because of the holiday rush and buying frenzy, you will be more likely to find buyers during this season. Why not make a few extra bucks from all the DVDs, outgrown clothes, knick knacks and other things you have lying around at home? Use services like eBay to make it easier on you.

4) Hang Christmas lights & decorations

If you don’t fear going up ladders to hang Christmas lights and decorations on the rooftop and walls, then offer your services to your neighbors. They may be happy to have you do the work while they stay warm at home with a cup of hot cocoa. Meanwhile, you’ll be a little richer and appreciated for your skills. You can also offer to take the lights down for them, for extra charge of course.

5) Work temporarily for a retailer

Regular employees will want to have Christmas time off. If you prefer to make money working during those days, retailers want to hire you – they need all the help they can get around the holidays. Put in an application for season help and look into working nights and weekends, especially if there’s extra pay involved. Catering companies and banquet halls could also use an extra pair of hands.

6) Write holiday articles for bloggers

Bloggers are overwhelmed during Christmas. They need content and ideas, and they need them fast! Whether you prefer to write a more general article (like this one), test out recipes or make a special Christmas craft, bloggers would be happy to pay for your quality work. Make the offer more attractive by providing great photography & Pin-worthy images with your article.