Working in a winter wonderland
Would some extra cash be just the job this Christmas? Barbara Oaff guides you through the many options for working over the festive season, whether it's as Santa himself, or merely one of his little helpers
Barbara Oaff
Wed 1 Dec 2004 07.37 EST
Fancy joining this crew?
Christmas. A time of mirth, merriment and money, lots of money. In the four weeks leading up to the big day we will spend close to £400 each and that's just on presents. Trimmings and trappings are on top. If you want to offset this year's excess a part-time seasonal job may be just the thing. Here are some of the options.
This is the ultimate seasonal job and you'll receive £8 to £15 an hour for the pleasure. These days embodying the main man has a modern twist - increasingly, potential Santas are police vetted. Apart from being 'clean', you'll also need to be fun, friendly and, of course, great with kids. "I really love what I do," says a Santa, who prefers not to reveal his usual identity. "Naturally the best part is seeing the children's faces."
If you can't get the starring role, why not go for the supporting role? Like Santa, his helpers will need to be fun, friendly and great with kids, and, in this case, their parents too. Expect to earn £5 to £8 an hour for settling the nervous, calming the excited and placating the impatient. "For people who like working with children and love Christmas, this is an ideal job," says Emma Shorter, a university student.
Gift promoter
Bright, outgoing and persistently persuasive? Well, you could be snapped up to promote anything from perfumes to phones. Think handing out leaflets, giving away samples, spraying on scents - all with a smile and a spiel. Rates vary from £40 to £60 a day, depending on how much stock you shift. "It was good way to earn extra money," says gap student Jenny Clayton, who spent last Christmas pushing mobiles. "But you do have to be willing to stand for hours, while listening to Slade for the 50th time."
Could you help customers choose just the right gift or the paper in which to wrap it? Working in retail you'll receive around £5.50 an hour, (plus more inside knowledge than you ever wanted into consumer habits and the carols that accompany them). "I adore everything Christmassy," says university student, Jay Laxhman, who is working in Christmas stationary for John Lewis. "For me, being surrounded by the shoppers and the songs is fabulous."
Gift packer
This is ideal for someone seeking something straightforward. People who pack up the boxes, baskets and hampers that are so abundant right now get around £5 to £6 an hour for their time and effort. Sally Drake, who spent a short time packing hampers, says: "A pleasant working atmosphere can make all the difference; if you're with a really good team it can be quite nice and easy."
Post worker
Royal Mail will pay up to £6.65 for extra sorters, drivers, and postmen and women - a Yorkshire accent and a black cat not required. Nancy Bryant, who has long taken on additional Christmas shifts at the Royal Mail, says: "It can be rewarding knowing that you are helping to bring someone their card or present, but you are really glad when you've done the last one."
Store entertainer
This is a possibility for those with a thespian streak. Budding performers are hired to amuse little 'uns in shops and shopping centres. The going rate for clowning around is £75 a session, which varies from four to six hours. "I get to play a 180-year-old elf," says jobbing actor Sanna Stellan. "It is enjoyable, but there is one downside - pushy parents; it can get ugly."
Tree decorator
Someone is responsible for all those huge pines you see everywhere, laden with lights and bowing under baubles. To join them, at £5.50 an hour, you don't have to be creative - just the opposite - consistency is really what's required. "Sure, it can get repetitive," says recent masters graduate, Siobhan McCarthy. "But the work is also easy and stress-free and relatively relaxing."
Party waiter
So many parties, so little time - so little time, that is, to give all the invitees everything they need and want. Waiting on seasonal gatherings will get you at least the minimum wage; at some events a bonus too. Experience helps, but training can also be provided. University student, Visharad Sadanand, says: "it can be hard work, but it can also be a lot of fun, especially if there is a real buzz to the night."
Still seeking more Christmas cash ideas? Well, right now charities want Christmas funds collected, hotels Christmas guests pampered and restaurants Christmas dinners served. Mince pie anyone?
Selected websites
Dreamtimeevents.com
Hotrecruit.com
Manpower.co.uk
royalmail.com
Sodexho.co.uk
Totaljobs.com