how do I get moisture in the house without a humidifier?

You can put the pan of water in front of the space heater but be careful with that because space heaters are fire hazards. You can boil water on your stove for instant added humidity.

In homes that are heated with radiators it is common for people to place pans of water on the radiators.

What I suggest is that you place a pan of water in front of your forced air heating vents. In that water pan place a wire clothes hanger bent in away to hang a washcloth on it. You want the washcloth to hang partly in the water so it wicks the water up to keep the cloth from drying out. Position the pan so the heat vent blows over the cloth to hurry the evaporation. This is a simplified version of a store bought Humidifier

Just put a 5 quart pan of water on the stove and turn it on low and leave it on all day and night, just don't let it go dry and turn if off if you have to leave. I have a electric stove and leave mine on 1 (1 of 9) setting you can adjust it once you figure out how fast it evaporates. works great. Please don't mess with the space heaters. they are scary enough just doing what they are supposed to do. and check the end of the plug , if it has any burnt stuff on, the cut the cord and get a new one. it is cheaper the risking you life.

a pan of water on top of the oven would work, or just use a tea kettle.