By Tristin Schifferdecker–

As you start getting Facebook invitations to ugly Christmas sweater parties and group messages for gift exchanges, you soon start to realize how much you will be spending this holiday season. Here are a few ways to keep your bank account intact.

UPS always looks for seasonal employees due to the high demand of online shopping during the holiday season.

“It’s not always busy, but when it is, it’s super busy. You can go from sitting around and not doing anything for a few hours, to suddenly being slammed for a couple hours,” junior Alexis Allen, who only works at UPS during peak season, said.

If your closet is full of clothes you have not worn this year, consider selling them. Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor are two places that pay for used clothes. Whatever you do not sell, you can donate.

Working in retail is another way to make money. Although it can be quite hectic, they do hire many seasonal employees. These jobs typically last until early January. You can also expect opportunities for extra hours to earn money and discounts at your store. This way, you can afford to buy a sweater with jingle bells attached.

Junior Ahna Matthews is employed at Clothes Mentor during the holiday season. Matthews sees many customers rushing to find last minute presents or outfits to wear to holiday events, causing the store to have more available hours.

“I am going to pick up as many shifts possible since there are extra hours available during Christmastime,” Matthews said.

An artistic approach to making more money this season is to create and sell items through Etsy. People pay a lot of money for unique, handmade items to give relatives during the holiday season. To ensure inexpensive crafting, try gathering your supplies from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby during sales.

Pinterest has a multitude of examples on how to make quick and easy crafts like no-sew fleece blankets, do-it-yourself mugs and ornaments and easy jewelry. What you do not sell, you could give as presents to your family members. Whose grandmother would not love a one-of-a-kind handmade blanket?