FOR some reason best known to myself, on Friday I went to Cheshire Oaks.

At the risk of sounding my age, when did Black Friday become a thing? I don’t remember it as a child.

Black Friday is a shopping day in the USA which falls the day after Thanksgiving.

Sadly, we seem to have adopted the shopping part of the holiday but not the Thanksgiving part. Thanksgiving in the USA (and other countries around the world) is about spending time with family and friends to give thanks for what is good and began as a thanksgiving for the harvest.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that for retailers, especially independent small retailers, this time of the year is vital.

The money made during December in retail covers bills for the beginning of next year, indeed ‘black Friday’ is ‘black’ is because it gives retail businesses the opportunity to stay financially solvent.

Given current concerns about costs, bills and wages – this part of the year needs to be a good one for the retail and hospitality industries.

I fear though, that to do Black Friday without the focus on thanksgiving that traditionally precedes it leaves us poorer in our inner lives.

The things that make us human, that tend for heart and soul - aren’t things that we will find for sale.

Having a good belly laugh, playing a silly game, gathering around the table to share food, meeting someone’s eyes as you smile and say hello. These are things that ground us in our humanity, things worth more than any price tag.

Yesterday, we had a lunch together after our church service because it was a special Sunday, the last in the Church year – the festival of Christ the King.

Laughing with people of all ages playing giant jenga; chatting to new and old friends over a plate of delicious food; seeing visitors welcomed to join in with regulars at the table.

My heart was filled and my soul restored.

I encourage you all to take some time amidst the noise of the next month to do the same – give thanks, eat slowly, smile. Find joy in the simple things, tend to your souls.