Airline ticket help please?

i am in need of some help please.... i am an american who moved to europe for work but am missing home and want to visit when our hotel is closed jan 2 - jan 9 2012.... problem is i dont have a 1000 dollars to spend on a tix, does anyone know where i can get a cheap tix and or when is the latest i should book my trip??? please help i am getting home sick thanks in advance