Change has often been regarded as a catalyst that rejuvenates interest and makes things enjoyable. Who wouldn't welcome such a change that brings in some extra money too? Here is a business idea that talks about changing the way you enjoy your holidays, getting you an extra buck in the process.

This is about holiday jobs and you have a whole plethora of opportunities on this front. Here is a short list of jobs that you could take up during your holidays:

1. Making & Selling personalized Christmas ornaments

2. Working as a window painter or decorator

3. Creating customized business Christmas cards

4. Making and selling candy suckers

5. Selling crafts at craft bazaars

6. Making & Selling customized gifts including t-shirts, mugs, calendars, tote bags and much more

Though this list is good for getting started, there really is no definitive list of holiday jobs. The key thing is that you should enjoy the job and there should be sufficient demand for it. Just look around and check the demand in your local area. You can look at the 'Want' ads in your local newspapers and magazines or just take note of listings on the bulletin boards at laundry mats etc. It's a good idea to include more than one service in your portfolio especially the ones that are related to each other e.g. decorations and candy suckers.

Tip: Big events or occasions can generate a high demand for some specific goods and services e.g. Christmas generates demand for decorations, ornaments, cards and candies. Similarly, high-profile basketball or baseball tournaments can generate a high demand for flags etc.

Making Christmas ornaments, or cards, or candy suckers or simple crafts, do not require special skills and are really easy to learn (check the resources at the end of this article). Try various flavors/patterns/etc. in order to get a feel of what sells best and also to get as comfortable with the making process as possible. You could try things at home before actually taking them to market e.g. you could try window painting in your own house before you do it for your customers. If you have an artistic frame of mind, you already have an advantage over others.

Creating and selling customized holiday gifts can be done at absolutely no upfront costs for you and zero inventory investment.

You can sell merchandise you design including t-shirts, posters, mugs, bumper stickers, books printed on-demand, audio and data CDs and much more.

The site we recommend:

* Gives you a FREE online shop to promote your products
* Produces each item when ordered using their unique print-on-demand technology
* Handles all payment transactions including major credit cards
* Ships your products worldwide
* Manages all returns/exchanges
* Offers customer service via toll-free phone and email
* Sends you a monthly check for your earnings on sales!

Advertising is the most important thing for any business. You can post flyers on the bulletin boards at grocery stores and laundry mats. Approach the local shops and offer them a commission for selling your goods. Print attractive brochures and business cards and distribute them to neighbors and friends. Use newspaper inserts to reach your prospective customers.

Tip: To beat the competition, your Christmas cards/ornaments should offer something unique e.g. a personalized touch using a picture of your customer on the Christmas cards, or logo of a business, or just a personalized message (check the resources).

The best part is that you can get started with this business for as low an investment as $0 to $100 and really make good money out of it. Moreover, this will also provide you relief from the monotonous nature of your daily job. Further, making money (and friends) would really be good fun.

The following resources should prove helpful in establishing and running this business:

How to make candy suckers:
http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/christmas/recipes/candy/sucker.htm

How to Paint Holiday Windows:
http://www.ehow.com/how_12507_paint-holiday-windows.html
http://www.franis.org/holiday/

Making cards:
http://www.allcrafts.net/cards.htm

Making crafts:
http://search.ebay.co.uk/making-crafts_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1QQfromZR8#