Lynchburg Living

Currently in Currency

By Susan Davidson, CPA

Does the thought of making more money than you spend during the holidays seem unrealistic? What if you could make money from home doing the things you enjoy the most? While you may enjoy wrapping presents, trimming the tree or whipping up dozens of pies and cookies to give to friends, for many people, these things are simply not their forte. With this in mind, consider starting a seasonal business that showcases your talents or hobbies while also helping clients check off items from their to-do list. What could be overwhelming to others might be some of the things that you love to do the most. Reflect on the catchy words of Maria to the von Trapp children in The Sound of Music to inspire you to capitalize on “a few of your favorite things.”

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Do you love to shop and have a penchant for finding the perfect gift? If so, then you may have just what it takes to launch your own personal shopping business. There are many individuals who are simply too busy or not able to shop for themselves and would be eager to pass this task along to someone else. While some clients may want to just give you a list of items to shop for, others may need advice on what to buy friends and family members. Grandparents, for instance, may have no idea where to begin looking for the best gifts for their grandchildren. From weaving through bumper-to-bumper traffic, to leafing through holiday sales papers and standing in long lines at check-out counters, personal shoppers give their clients what they need most during the holidays–more time!

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

One of my favorite holiday traditions is wrapping presents. For those with a two-page-long list of friends and family members to buy gifts for, however, gift-wrapping can be a daunting and dreaded task. If I learned one thing during my years as a gift-wrapping clerk at the mall, it was that some shoppers will pay almost anything to have someone else wrap their holiday gifts–all of them. During the week of Christmas, it was not unusual to spend two hours or more wrapping gifts for just one customer. Gift-wrapping is a great way to earn a little extra money during the holidays and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Tell a few of your friends and family members about your holiday business venture–they may be all of the advertising you will need!

Doorbells and sleigh bells

The thought of lugging dusty boxes of holiday decorations from the dark corners of the basement usually evokes one of two emotions: excitement or dread. While I often dread the chore of holiday decorating, I always look forward to the result. If you have a knack for decorating and find the process enjoyable, consider starting your own holiday decorating business. There are plenty of individuals who either do not have the time or are physically unable to decorate their homes for the holidays. From trimming the tree and adorning a staircase with garland to hanging window wreaths and stringing outdoor lights, the list of holiday decorating tasks seems never-ending! Advertise your business by letting your own beautifully decorated home speak for itself. Distribute photographs of your tree, mantel and the exterior of your home in flyers or emails.

Cream-Colored Ponies and Crisp Apple Strudels

The time-honored tradition of gifting homemade confections is a great way to spread the holiday cheer. Festive sugar cookies, distinctive gingerbread houses and handmade candies are just a few of the delectable treats that keep bakers busy during the holiday season. If you are inspired by sugar and spice and everything nice, consider putting your culinary flair to work for you by opening your own holiday bakery. Host a tasting party in your home or a church fellowship hall to showcase the types of treats that you will offer. Whether you decide to offer a simple variety of baked goods or have the ability to cater an entire event, there is sure to be a sufficient market for your business.

Girls in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes

While the days in which every young lady was expected to know how to sew are long-gone, the days of needing dresses altered, slacks hemmed or zippers repaired are not. If you are proficient with a needle and thread, do not miss out on an opportunity to put your sewing machine to work for you! In this age of mass production, some buyers long to find something that is distinctive rather than run-of-the-mill. From offering simple alterations, to crafting custom-made holiday clothing, quilts or tree skirts, your business can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

If you are concerned about the cost of advertising, there are many inexpensive ways to promote your seasonal business. Social networking websites, for instance, have made it simple to advertise your business for free. Distributing flyers, sending emails or mailing postcards are some other ways to spread the word at little or no cost. You may be surprised to find that your “seasonal” services will be in demand well after the “silver white winters … melt into springs.”