How I optimized my holidays budget

This post was sponsored by Amazon in partnership with Forward Influence. All opinions are my own.

I am all about rituals and decoration for the holidays, but I have learned my lessons: Holidays can be stressful, but I can optimize the way I spend my time, money and energy budgets.

Every year I become, in my husband’s own words, a “holiday ninja.” I see the holidays coming and I plan how to tackle every single part of them in order to make those celebrations memorable. I keep a list of decorations I have and which ones I need to get, I make any travel reservations as far in advance as possible, I make gift lists as early as November …

But there is always something that disturbs my carefully sketched plans. Money and/or time constraints are one main thing that kicks me out of the loop. Other times it’s the daily little things that drive me crazy, like the cat wrestling the Christmas tree ornaments. Or that everybody at home loves getting and giving presents, but none of them want to go to a crowded shopping mall to get them. I could go on with my complaints, but I am a woman of action, and I have decided to find solutions to these situations.

I am going to take advantage of Amazon’s great deals and convenience. Life is too short to stress about the holidays and I’d rather spend my energy celebrating than dealing with all of it in a complicated way.

I set a budget of $100. This year our Christmas tree will have shatterproof ornaments. I know the cat will find them interesting, but I also know it won’t be a major disaster if she decides to use some of them as a toy.

Also, I need presents! I am getting some stocking stuffers for my daughter, like a package of fox wool socks.

For my husband, the Sentry insulated mittens because we plan on going to the snowy mountain during the holidays’ break.

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This is one of my husband’s Christmas gifts this year: because we are going to go to the mountains for the holidays, I want him to have proper gloves that can also be worn as mittens. • Getting the right presents can be hard; that is why this year I decided to get smart and check out options on @Amazon. I set up a budget of $100 for all the presents I am getting for my family, and I was afraid of not getting cool things for them. But I found these insulated mittens and I was in shock because… Well, go to my blog (link in bio) and read about what else I bought with a budget of $100 (spoiler: a LOT of cool things!). • I know I am not alone on holiday stress. Share pictures of your own holiday’s stressful situations: Amazon will be watching for ways to help this holiday season – simply post a photo with the hashtag #AmazonDeliver. You might get surprised by them!

Una publicación compartida de Paty (@guapologa) el 12 Dic, 2018 a las 1:25 PST

After all of this effort to find the right things for everyone, I think I deserve something pretty. What about a Hershel’s Supply animal print cross body bag?

Everything will go inside these great large gift bags from Hallmark .

You see? I am slaying at tackling these inconveniences thanks to Amazon, who has me covered this season, and has you covered too! *makes a ninja movement*

Everyone gets free shipping through the holidays on hundreds of millions of items (for real!). It has the largest free shipping selection in the country. Plus, Amazon Prime members can get free same-day delivery and one-day shipping in 8,000 cities and towns on three million items this holiday season. Which means time and energy can be saved too. Seriously, I am feeling pretty good about myself for how I have been able to stretch my hard-earned money while keeping my spending under control.

Amazon helps customers deliver smiles to their friends and family this season, transforming them into holiday heroes. They are committed to #DeliveringSmiles this holiday season through a variety of ways – stay tuned throughout the season to discover how!

SURPRISE! Amazon will be watching for ways to help this holiday season! Simply post a photo on social with the hashtag #AmazonDeliver.