Up to 680,000 temporary jobs will be available during the holiday season

It's not just turkey that people will take a bite out of this holiday season. The increase of seasonal jobs offers an alternative — albeit only a short-team one — to the financial starvation of their pocketbooks.

Financially, Christmas can be a strain on families, a recent article by MoneyNing pointed out. The average American is expected to spend $750 on Christmas this year. Here are four temporary opportunities to help foot that bill — or pay for other bills:

Retail

Approximately 585,000 to 625,000 seasonal workers are estimated to be hired this year by major retailing stores, including Target, Macy's, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us and Kohl's.

Shipping Companies

With loved ones far away and an increase in online shopping, UPS and FedEx are expected to hire 20,000 to 55,000 temporary employees.

Food Service

As Christmas merriment increases, apparently American's hunger does as well and restaurant business increases. Because of tips, food service can financially be the most beneficial seasonal job.

Extra Jobs

Be creative in services you offer. If time and family do not allow for an official seasonal job, look into neighborhood services such as shoveling snow, wrapping gifts, baby, pet or house-sitting, or making Christmas goodies.

EMAIL: alovell@deseretnews.com