The only time you’ll hear me say less is more

Thoughtful Christmas gifts, slower shopping and love letters for the win. Leanne shares her annual reminder from Pink Seaweed Gallery on the Isle of Man.

Every Christmas I find myself giving out the same advice. Which is possibly questionable behaviour for someone running a gallery full of beautiful things!

I’m always delighted if something in here makes you think, “Oh, that’s so her.” But buying something because it’s nearly Christmas and you haven’t got them anything yet? That’s how people end up unwrapping things neither of you particularly likes.

We’ve all done it. Running around in a panic, grabbing something to tick a box. Then buying another little thing because the first thing doesn’t feel enough.

It’s exhausting. And expensive.

I’m very much in favour of shopping slower. Giving yourself time to spot something that reminds you of someone. A colour they always wear. A place they love. Something ridiculous that will make them laugh.

Here at Pink Seaweed the shelves are full of work by people from across the Isle of Man. There’s plenty to fall in love with. But you don’t need an armful of it to show someone what they mean to you.

And if you’re not sure, a voucher for their favourite independent shop is a perfectly good present. Choosing something you love without feeling guilty about spending the money? Excellent.

My best advice, though? Write them a love letter.

It doesn’t have to be romantic. Write to your mum. Your best friend. Someone who got you through a horrible year. Tell them what you notice, what you remember and what you’re grateful for.

You don’t need to be good at writing. “I still think about the time you…” is a decent place to start.

A bit of your time and something only you could have written. That’s a proper gift.

So this is my annual reminder, arriving before the emergency festive earrings stage this year.

Smaller, kinder, slower.

The one and only time you’ll hear me say less is more.

Love letters for the win. 💌