Ah, Christmas and the New Year — the most beautiful times of the year for many! While some aim to unwind and cherish their earnings with family, there are others, like you, seeking ways to seize additional earning opportunities during this festive period. Guess what? You’ve come to the right place if this is what you’re looking for. We’ve compiled a list of the biggest jobs this season.
Now, did you hear that this year’s holiday retail sales in November and December are projected to reach a new high between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion? That’s a 3% to 4% increase from last year’s record of $929.5 billion.
So, how about we explore the top lucrative gigs for you to rake in some extra cash this season? It’d be nice if some of that money found its way into your pockets now would it?
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Christmas Lights Installation
There is a high demand for Christmas light installation, particularly from November to January. The global market for Christmas lights and decorations is projected to increase from its previous value of $7.20 billion in 2021 to $10.73 billion by 2030, indicating that there is a growing need for the service.
Another study discovered that 60% of Americans installed outdoor holiday lights. As you can see, there is a significant opportunity to earn money (between $14 and $36 per hour) by installing Christmas lights.
Christmas Trees
The second job on our list involves the sale, maintenance, and delivery of Christmas trees during the holiday season. Christmas trees have become an iconic and integral part of our holiday experience and it is practically impossible to see a home, business, or store-front without one.
Uber
Next up, Ubering. Working as an Uber driver this Christmas is another sure way of making some good money. December is typically the busiest time of the year for Uber, with drivers earning an average of 8% more in December compared to November.
This period is characterized by an increase in riders heading to Christmas parties, which can lead to higher earnings for drivers. You can even spice up the experience for your passengers by offering Christmas props and sing-alongs and consequently enhance the festive spirit while positioning yourself to receive some extra tips.
Snow Shoveling
Despite the inherent hazards, snow shoveling is a popular holiday job. It is one of the biggest jobs this season. Leaving snow uncleared can be dangerous, leading to slips, falls, and auto accidents. So snow shoveling is one of the most in-demand jobs during the holiday season. People make thousands taking on this demanding role during the festive season.
Amazon Dropshipping
Another excellent way to earn some extra money this holiday is via Amazon Dropshipping. This fulfillment model allows you to outsource handling and shipping products to a third party, eliminating warehouse and other logistics costs.
With the surge in demand for certain products and goods, Amazon dropshipping can be a great holiday job idea. Plus, Amazon announced that this year, that it would hire 250,000 seasonal employees, 100,000 more than the previous year. So, there’s more than enough room for you!
Print-on-Demand
The Print-on-Demand business is an innovative model where you get your product (usually a custom printed decor, shirt, short, or even shoe) only when an order is received. Using this, you sell custom-designed products, such as apparel, accessories, or home decor, without the need to hold inventory — imagine how that’ll come in handy this holiday.
Print-on-Demand (POD) businesses experience increased demand during the holiday season, as holiday-themed products and various printed items become incredibly popular. The approaching holidays lead to a rise in the number of orders and the average order sizes, presenting a sought-after opportunity for POD services.
Rent-a-Friend
Another way to earn money this holiday is to make yourself available on RentAFriend.com to be a “friend” for rent. This platform offers individuals the opportunity to become “friends for hire” and set their own hours and rates. The concept of renting friends is part of the “loneliness economy,” which aims to address the growing issue of social isolation and lack of human connection
This holiday you can earn money through this method by offering to be a friend to tourists and visitors to your country. The service is available globally, with a core audience in the United States, UK, and India.
Mall Santa
So, you didn’t like any of these jobs? How about becoming Santa Claus? If you have the body, the desire, and the motivation (i.e. to make some money), you can sign up for this job.
Becoming a Mall Santa is one of the biggest jobs this season but it’s no small feat. It’s a job that requires more than just a red suit and a white beard. According to ZipRecruiter, the average mall Santa earns about $22 per hour, which adds up to $264 in a 12-hour shift.
But the job is not all milk and cookies. Mall Santas face unique challenges, such as children pulling their beards, wetting their laps, or asking provocative questions like, “Why don’t you look like last year’s Santa?” and “Do reindeer really know how to fly?”. Think you’re still cut out for the job?
Customer Service Representative
The holiday season typically sees an increase in customer service representative (CSR) jobs, especially in the retail industry. However, the 2023 holiday hiring for seasonal positions is expected to be the lowest in 15 years, with retailers in the U.S. expected to add just 410,000 seasonal positions, marking the industry’s lowest seasonal hiring total since 2008
Despite this, opportunities are still available for you to work as a CSR during the holiday season. These positions often involve providing outstanding customer service, addressing product and service questions, and handling a higher volume of customer interactions.
Conclusion
The financial demands of this time of year are great, and while the jobs on this list come with their own set of challenges, they provide a quick solution to the rising demand on your pockets by allowing you to make some extra cash. So what are you waiting for? Get your CV ready and get a fun holiday job.