The best jobs to have during the festive season: Spreading cheer, one shift at a time

Here is a round-up of the best jobs to have during the holidays. We all know work can be fun as much as it can be tiring and challenging....

Bartender - the life of the Christmas party

Bars buzz during the festivities with office parties, annual meet ups and those just simply wanting to get in the spirit with friends & family. What better way to sneak away from the Christmas admin and chores. As a Bartender, you're part mixologist, part therapist, and part Santa - well you are handing over cocktails and all things nice!!

What's in it for you?

• You get to create festive drinks like creamy Baileys, peppermint martinis, gingerbread coffees or mulled wine
• The energy is infectious, with cheerful (and slightly tipsy) patrons spreading holiday vibes
• There is always a story to tell after a shift- whether it's regaling a karaoke fail or a surprise proposal under the mistletoe

Hotel Concierge - Making Christmas dreams come true

Hotels transform into magical havens this time of year, with roaring fireplaces, twinkling trees, and guests eager to make memories. As a concierge, your job is to sprinkle even more magic by offering insider tips or arranging unforgettable holiday experiences. 

What's in it for you?

• You're a holiday hero, helping guests plan sleigh rides, ice-skating adventures, or candlelit dinners
• The decorations are breathtaking - you're literally working in a Hallmark movie setting
• You get to connect with people from all walks of life, including excited kids waiting for Santa's hotel visit!

Supermarket Elf - (AKA Retail Worker)

Sure, working in retail during Christmas can bring its challenges with frantic, chaotic shoppers, mounting queues, and Christmas tunes on repeat; but it is also when supermarkets are bursting with festive goodies and joyful shoppers. 

What's in it for you?

• You're surrounded by candy canes, mince pies and enough tinsel to decorate a small nation. There is no forgetting you are in the height of the Christmas spirit. Go with it
• It is your time to shine. There is nothing more satisfying than helping someone find the exact item they need for their Christmas dinner or a little secret Santa surprise
• The playlist - yes it may be on repeat, but you can't really feel grumpy with Mariah Carey accompanying you on your shift
• The perks of the job - take full advantage of your staff discount for all the last minute goodies. You know what is in stock before anyone else, so can be Christmas ready early

Santa's helper - It's Grotto time

This is the ultimate festive role. Whether you are donning elf ears or Santa yourself, you are part of the Christmas magic for families. That's quite a responsibility.

What's in it for you?

• You will witness kids light up during their festive experience which would melt even the coldest of hearts. You are giving them a wonderful moment and some lovely memories
• You are literally getting paid to spread the holiday cheer
• You get to stay in character all day long, and could be in some of the most magical Christmas events whilst on shift, that you would not necessarily get to experience otherwise

Christmas market vendor

Festive markets are a winter wonderland of twinkling stalls and the scent of roasted chestnuts and creamy hot chocolates. As a vendor, you are at the heart of this magical atmosphere, selling handmade gifts, artisan food, or cups of mulled wine.

What's in it for you?

• You are surrounded by music, laughter and sparkling lights with customers that all want to be there for the atmosphere and stall offerings
• It is a chance to share your passion to eager shoppers. Showcase your skills whether its cooking or crafting delights

Delivery driver - the unsung Christmas hero

While everyone is decking the halls, someone needs to deliver those online orders. Enter the 'delivery driver'. It's a busy job, but there's something satisfying about knowing you're the reason a family will have presents under their tree, or a Christmas turkey on the table.

What's in it for you?

• Every delivery feels like you're Santa dropping off gifts. You may even be treated to a Christmas tip, as everyone is feeling extra generous and grateful for your work
• Seeing someone's face light up when their package arrives on time is priceless
• Whilst you may be battling the traffic, you are quite frankly rescuing a huge percentage of people that perhaps can't get out to the shops, so making Christmas happen for them - That's got to be a special feeling
• You get to witness all the many streets and neighbourhoods decked with lights and decorations

Event planner - the party creator

From corporate Christmas parties to New Year Eve's extravaganzas, event planners are the masterminds behind the season's best celebrations.

What's in it for you?

• This is the time to really add to your portfolio and Events CV. If you nail the big corporate Christmas party, you are certainly good at what you do, and jobs could flow in
• You get to unleash your creativity with holiday themes and decorations
• It's a rewarding challenge to bring people's festive visions to life
• You are at the centre of the action, making sure everything runs smoothly, (while sneaking a canapé or two)

No matter which role you take on this Christmas, remember that you're not just working - you're creating joy, spreading cheer, and making the season a little brighter for everyone around you.  If you can keep your cool with all the madness around you, maintaining your professionalism at one of the most demanding times of the year, well you may have earnt yourself a promotion in the new year! 

And you will be in great company.  Even celebrities have had their share of festive roles. Hugh Jackman once played Santa as a party entertainer but confesses he “wasn’t great at it as he lacked Santa’s signature jolly laugh”! Before Harry Styles boy- band days, he used to sell festive mince pies and pastries in a Bakery and his boss said he had a natural flair and charm with the customers. Taylor Swift helped her family sell Christmas trees at their Pennsylvania farm and Ed Sheeran performed as a ‘singing elf’ for a local Christmas charity event!!...

So, don your Santa hat, embrace the festive spirit, enjoy an increased salary, (in some seasonal roles) and enjoy being part of what makes Christmas magical.

Love what you do this Christmas.