Celebrate Thanksgiving With These Simple Acts of Gratitude

Here at Ring, we know how important it is to have people in our lives for whom we are truly thankful. From significant others, parents and siblings to neighbors, and long-lost friends, the people we love deserve to know how we feel, especially around Thanksgiving! In honor of this time of gratitude, we encourage you to take a moment to express your appreciation for those who enrich your life. And to inspire you, we’ve compiled a few ideas.

Tell Them

The simplest way to show someone how grateful you are is by telling them how much they mean to you. Katherine, for example, was in the middle of a 16-hour shift and feeling completely drained. So, when her friend and neighbor, Chasitie, sent her an unexpected, heartfelt message via her Ring device, she truly appreciated it! Chasitie’s words turned her whole day around, lifting her spirits in an instant. Sometimes, a few kind words is all it takes to remind someone that they’re seen, valued, and supported.

Reconnect and Reunite

Certain friendships can never be forgotten, so why not remind a long-lost friend that you care? John did exactly that when, after 40 years, he managed to track down his old military friend, Arturo. Over the decades, life had kept them both busy with careers, families, and daily routines. Even so, John was thrilled to rekindle their friendship and reminisce about the good times they’d shared. He felt appreciated, of course, but also grateful to have reignited their friendship.

Get Silly and Creative

Why not show your gratitude in ways your friends and family would never expect? The options are truly endless! Jimmi, for instance, used her Ring Video Doorbell to count down the days until her husband was set to return from his military deployment. She’s always loved surprising him with thoughtful gestures, but doing so in such a unique way made all the difference during their time apart. It’s imaginative and personal acts like this that your loved ones will never forget.

Surprise Them When They Least Expect It

We all get busy going about our lives, so anytime you can surprise a loved one with kind words, it is sure to be appreciated! This young girl, for example, told her mom, during dinner, how grateful she is to have a wonderful mother like her. For both of them, this became a moment they will cherish forever, and one they can thankfully revisit often.

Write a Thank-You Note

Writing a thank-you note is a simple yet powerful way to show gratitude. John’s young daughter did exactly that for the family’s mail carrier, who had recently gone the extra mile by delivering a large package right to their door. The gesture of appreciation touched the mail carrier deeply, and as she read the note, she couldn't help but to shed a tear. John's daughter's small act reminded everyone that even a simple "thank-you" can make someone's day.

When in Doubt, Give Them a Gift

Everyone appreciates a thank-you gift, especially hardworking delivery drivers! This homeowner was inspired by a friend to leave treats outside their front door. When the Amazon driver discovered them, he was so delighted that he broke out into a happy dance! Every gesture counts, and remember, your gratitude can be infectious!

This Thanksgiving, be the first to reach out and tell someone just how thankful you are for them. You never know how your words of appreciation might brighten their day, and chances are, they’ll feel inspired to pay it forward. If you have a moment of gratitude you’d like to share, we’d love to see it! Email us at stories@ring.com and and we’ll spread the joy of appreciation together.