5 Family history things to do over the holidays

SHOW NOTES: Weave more family history into your holidays and get the whole family involved in capturing stories and finding joy in genealogy. Here are 5 ideas that will enrich your family gatherings. 

Family History Christmas Ideas

Video and Show Notes

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Show Notes

The show notes follow below. Premium Members can download the ad-free Show Notes handout .

#1 Stimulate conversation about family history during gatherings.

Christmas wreath

Watch the 4-part series Family History Christmas Wreath, part of the Family History Craft and Displays YouTube playlist.  It’s an old video series but you’ll get the step-by-step instructions you need to create a family history Christmas wreath.

Christmas Stocking

Watch Family History Crazy Quilt Christmas Stocking

Christmas candy

Check out the Premium video Inspiring Ways to Captivate the Non-Genealogists in Your Life which includes the template to create the candy bar lable.

Table Conversation Prompts

Suggested prompts:

  • Who is the oldest relative you remember meeting? Around what year were they born?
  • What was your favorite toy as a child?
  • Tell us about your most memorable Christmas.

#2. Record conversations

With permission of course! Use the Voice Memo app on your phone. 

#3. Mention your interest in family history in your cards to relatives

Even just a brief mention of your continued interest and genealogical activity might cause a relative to share a family photo, story or document.

#4. Have Family History Fun!

Family history and genealogy are fun and there are lots of ways to help your relatives see that.

Old Catalogs

Look up old catalogs and share memories of favorite toys, clothing and more. Here are three great places to find them:

Google Books: Sears Wish book results

Ancestry.com: U.S., Historic Catalogs of Sears, Roebuck and Co., 1896-1993

Google search: Search for Sears Wish Book 1960…1970 (substitute the desired years)

Yearbooks & Photos

Look up high school photos in old yearbooks online. Screencast your phone to your TV screen so everyone can join in the fun. Here are two great sources for yearbooks:

MyHeritage AI Time Machine

Offer to run photos (adults only) through MyHeritage’s AI Time Machine

#5. Select one research project for the New Year.

Learn more about developing research questions by watching Avoid Rabbit Holes and Find More Genealogy

Watch Research Methodology videos and get the downloadable handouts (included with Genealogy Gems Premium Membership.)

Watch Using Evernote to Create a Research Plan (Premium)

Genealogy Gems Premium Membership

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Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 189: Relative Race and More

GGP 189 Genealogy Gems Podcast episode 189The free Genealogy Gems Podcast episode 189 is published, with an exclusive interview with stars of Relative Race and more.

The newest episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast is published and ready for your listening pleasure! Two stars of the new BYUtv show Relative Race join host Lisa Louise Cooke to talk about their experiences criss-crossing the U.S. to meet their AncestryDNA matches.

Here are some more highlights from Genealogy Gems Podcast episode 189:

  • Irish research tips–and tons of new Irish records online–in honor of St. Patrick’s Day this month;
  • 3 reasons to test your DNA for genealogy, from Your DNA Guide Diahan Southard;
  • an excerpt from the new Genealogy Gems Book Club interview;
  • emails from several listeners offering inspiration and tips;
  • and news from the genealogy world, including databases on runaway slaves (in the U.S. and Britain) and an updated MyHeritage search technology.

I’m a fan of “genealogy TV,” and it’s fun to hear behind-the-scenes feedback from stars of Relative Race. This show’s approach–connecting everyday couples with genetic matches–puts faces to our DNA matches in a fresh and personal way. I’m not hoping to camp on my genetic matches’ lawns anytime soon, but I do sometimes wish I could knock on the doors of some (“please respond!”). Another favorite take-away from this episode was a tip from Matt in Missouri, who wrote in with a creative approach for connecting with relatives through Find A Grave.

Remember, this and all episodes of the Genealogy Gems podcast are FREE to listen to. Click here for FAQ on podcasts and how to listen on your computer or via your favorite mobile device. Click here for a list of past episodes you may have missed. Why not “binge out” a little and catch up during your next commute, workout or down time?Genealogy Gems Newsletter Sign Up

REGISTER NOW for the free webinar

What to reveal more about your family’s unique story through DNA and genealogy? Grab your seat in our upcoming free webinar.

register for the free webinar

Date: Sat. Sept. 23, 2017
Time: 11:00 AM Eastern
Length: 90 minutes including Live Q&A
Free – Click below to claim your seat!

free webinar

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Your DNA Guide will dispel the myth that there’s just on DNA test
There are more options, and possible outcomes, than you might think! Diahan will walk you through the choices.

Creative ideas for filling in the gaps in your family’s story
Lisa will who you online tools for you that go well beyond names and dates. Then we’ll expand your story in unexpected ways by finding DNA connections.

Share the story you’ve uncovered through awesome video
Lisa & Beth will show you how easy it is to tell your story like a pro!

Please share this free webinar with your friends

Please share this free webinar with your friends and genealogy society. Here’s the link to the registration page to share on social media:

https://events.genndi.com/register/169105139238464863/a65a2c57c6 

 

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