Hang in there....
When I first started, It took me a year to fill up, and even now, the phone calls just aren't coming in. I've been lucky to stay full with current mommas having more babies.
The best advertising, IMO, is by word of mouth. Get out there and hand out business cards, fliers, brochures, whatever you have.
And talk talk talk!!!!
I tell everyone who stands within a 2 foot radius of me about my daycare. The person at the register, the guy pumping my gas, the little old lady sitting next to me at the laundrymat...lol
If your rates are comparable to others in your area, I wouldn't discount them. You'll end up regretting it. But you could offer a free day of care, or something like that....I live quite a ways out from town, (where everyone else lives) so Ive offered Gas cards to get them here.
Good luck and hang tight! It is a tough time of year, so things should pick up for you after the holidays!