Strictly speaking, the Christmas Benefit is available for just one day—December 25th, however it is generally acknowledged that the Christmas Benefit Season lasts from the day after Halloween well into January, depending on the audacity of certain retailers and the stubbornness of your neighbors when it comes to taking down the outside lights. Without proper planning and perspective, the entire season, much like Christmas morning itself, can unfold like an unrehearsed Three Stooges routine. The following three benefit options can make your Christmas Benefit Season much more enjoyable and lucrative:

Mistletoe

Mistletoe

The Christmas Benefit Season can be a lonely time for some. The best way to increase artificial intimacy is a well-placed sprig of mistletoe. Never mind that the name mistletoe comes from two Anglo Saxon words: 'mistel' which means dung and 'tan' which twig or stick. The so-called 'poop twig' is sure to attract both wanted and unwanted attention. To increase your tackiness factor buy one of those headbands with attached mistletoe and wear it at the most inopportune times—like at the office holiday party.

Get Your Own Mistletoe
The Pickle Game

The Pickle Game

Also known by some as hide the pickle, this simple game can increase your gift total and works like this: On Christmas Eve, a parent takes out his or her pickle-shaped and colored ornament and places it somewhere on the Christmas tree. The first person to find the pickle hidden amongst the other ornaments on Christmas morning is said to receive an extra present or good luck for the upcoming year. No other vegetable-shaped ornament may be substituted as the double entendre will be lost.

Play The Pickle Game
Cookies for Santa

Cookies for Santa

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa is sure to increase you holiday haul. After he squeezes his fat self down your chimney, he appreciates these simple offerings of thanks and generally leaves extra presents. To make it truly special, make those cookies yourself—all you’ve been doing is slogging egg-nog every day since Thanksgiving. But a word of advice: be sure to be the last one to bed. Sugar-craving dads are notorious for stealing the Christmas cookies and imperiling the potential holiday gift bonanza.

Make Your Own Gingerbread Men