In Christmases past at the Granite Family History Center, we have encouraged
gift giving for our ancestors that include:
1) Working to complete your four
generations on FamilySearch
2) Adding a memory to your FamilySearch Family
Tree
3) Indexing a batch of records
4) Performing a temple ordinance for an
ancestor.
There are also many wonderful Christmas gifts for those in your family who just
love family history and are still among us! Here are just a few ideas for you
gathered from resources found online and from consultants at the Family History
Center. And perhaps they will spark additional ideas for you!
From FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/5-ways-to-give-the-
gift-of-family-history):
– Family Photo Blanket
– Customized Journal
– Family Puzzle
– Family Calendar
– A mobile phone case with a family picture
From the Family History Guide, Angelle Anderson (https://www.thefhguide.com/blog/think-family-history-gifts-for-mothers-day/):
– Family History Photo Wreath
– Four living generations in a single photo
LegacyTree Genealogists (https://www.legacytree.com/blog/give-gift-family-
history-christmas):
– Scan photos and create a family photo album (or a video to share with family
members).
– Give the Gift of research with a gift subscription to a family history database.
– Organize an evening of family traditions from your ancestor’s homeland
complete with traditional food. Ask questions that get a family member talking
about their childhood, example; “What was your favorite childhood vacation?”
– Compile a book of family stories. There are online sources that will help you
compile stories and print them in a book. You could also put them in a word document, print them yourself and place in a binder with family photos. You
could give the digital files on a flash drive.
Other ideas:
– Make a date with an older member of your family to go to the temple and
dinner.
– Frame a family history heirloom, example; tools, dishes, clothing, pictures, etc. (pictured below).
– Make placemats from a printed copy of your FamilySearch Fan chart (idea
from consultant at the Family History Center) – pictured below.
– Take a “Drive Down Memory Lane” with a member of your family. See GFHC
blog, October 22, 2022.
– Paint or commission a painting for someone in your family of an ancestor or
their homestead.
– Family History board games.
– Donate some time to help an online resource transcribe information for their
website.
– Give children storybooks with a Family History Theme, example: “The Song
and Dance Man.”
– DNA kit.
Giving the gifts of family history may “prompt us to make better choices, and
draw closer to the Lord and our family,” said President Nelson. “But, please
remember, they are a means to an end. They are not an end in itself. The end is
the endowment and the sealing ordinances of the temple.”
May you enjoy the Christmas season this year by including the gifts of Family
History and spending time in the temple. Merry Christmas!
-Janet Helland, Asst Director Patron and Consultant Services, GFHC