10 Easy Ways to Become Holiday Ready without the hustle.

The Holidays are here and The Barbell household is already decorating! These are 10 easy ways I have learned though the years to become Holiday ready without the hustle. It has also put more money in my pocketbook too!

1. Stock up on decorations from Dollar General and discounted items from the Thrift store. You can find some amazing deals and nice items up for sale that are in mint condition. I also shop and stock up after the Holidays at Target or Home goods and get beautiful discounted decorations.
2. Plan early-start your holiday shopping in August or September, this way you can be prepared for Halloween. The kids will be excited to start and your hubby will be grateful your planning and saving!
3. Start cleaning each room little by little and organize, this way when its time to set up the decorations, it wont look like a tornado came through! (I learned this the hard way!)
4. Start putting scented candles throughout the house and buying scented air fresheners (especially in the bathroom for guests)
5. If you plan on traveling for the holidays-start preparing your travel arrangements in advance. If you book early enough chances are it will be less to travel. This includes flights, hotels and cars. If your a Costco member you can get vehicle rentals on discount!
6. If you plan on cozying up with your family on cold nights, make sure your fireplace has enough gas to ignite and or firewood because appointments get booked up and firewood goes fast. (I also learned this the hard way!) Don’t wait till the last minute!
7. Start communicating with your family about possible gift ideas in advance this way there’s no hurt feelings if you didn’t get what you anticipated and get a pair of socks instead. It’s the thought that counts of course, but communication is important because we can not read minds!
8. If you plan on going out for holiday dinner somewhere, make reservations 2 months in advance because seats go super fast! (I also learned this the hard way!) haha.
9. Start saving money now and putting it aside for the holidays, ladies skip the extras like Starbucks or getting your hair and nails done. It’s okay to be frugal every now and then because you are still beautiful. You can make your own Starbucks drinks like pumpkin spice latte and paint your own nails.
10. Last but least, raise the vibration level and energy in your home. Put some holiday music on and pray together as a family. We are all busy in our lives but take the time to cherish the precious moments especially during this time in 2020 and because the years go by so fast and let’s face it, the holidays are somewhat stressful so having a happy home is crucial.

It is with age that I have learned so many things and gained wisdom. What I thought was important to me back then was just a phase I went through. Now I cherish family more and who I am growing in Christ. If you have any other ways to tackle the Holiday season, drop me a line and let me know. I’m always looking to make my load lighter!