Sorry about your machine. It's hard to loose a trusted friend.
I agree with thepolyparrot and recommend the Singer 15-91. Bought mine at a garage sale for $50.
Needed only a little cleaning. The manuals are downloadable that include service information to take of the machine, parts are fairly easy to find, severals places on line to order from. I would get you through the Christmas sewing you are talking about without a lot of money, and you will have a machine that will work for you forever. Mine was made in 1951.
Then later if you do want a zigzag with other stitches, you will have more $$ to spend on that one more modern machine.
Good Luck!