Making Holiday Memories

When you smell something baking this time of the year, does it immediately bring to mind a particular relative or time? Maybe a certain song on the radio takes you back to your childhood? That is not surprising, as the holidays are often filled with very special memories.

During December, many families gather together to celebrate the holidays. This often involves food, gifts, music, laughter, and more. Naturally, these gatherings can be powerful memory generators, and you can capitalize on that memory-making potential in various ways. Here are some thoughts and suggestions for you to consider this season.

Create a Memory Book

You have probably seen a special notebook for people to sign at a Bed and Breakfast or a popular tourist destination. Buy something similar for your holiday gathering(s) and place it in a central place. Then, encourage family members to write down a holiday memory and sign the book. This is a great way to preserve unique experiences and traditions for years to come.

Design Ornaments

As children, we often create various holiday ornaments and decorations, and some of us may still have those because our parents saved them. Build upon that collection by creating new ones with your family. They can be as simple as paper, scissors, and glue or more elaborate with wood, glitter, etc. You can incorporate photos, signatures, artwork, and more. When you are done, remember to find a way to save them for future holiday celebrations.

Make a Special Recipe

Many of us have certain foods (likely desserts) that are connected to the holidays. Why not make one or more of them and then share your memories as well as information (i.e., photos, records, and stories) about the ancestor(s) who often made or were associated with those items. This can increase their enjoyment and pass on information to future generations.

Share Your Love of Genealogy

You may be surprised who is interested in your research and their ancestors if you find a way to creatively present your findings. Of course, a short presentation is one possibility, but this could also take the form of small books with photos, charts, etc. Designing and printing these is much easier than ever with various online options, and some folks are even using AI to create elaborate, visually appealing depictions of their genealogical research. Go beyond the typical family group sheets and tree charts.

Take Family Photos or Make Short Videos

As they say, a photo lasts a lifetime, and these days, many of us carry a device that allows us to easily take photos and videos. When families gather, there is often a unique combination of relatives who may never get together any other time of the year. Why not capture that for posterity? Perhaps also taking short videos would be a great way to record someone’s voice, mannerisms, and more. These can be so valuable for future generations and will provide information that may never be found elsewhere.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but hopefully, one or more of these ideas have inspired you to maximize the memories this holiday season. The warm and fuzzy feelings you get during the holidays will last for years and years to come if you take a moment to plan activities that purposefully induce fun and engagement. Be creative and enjoy the process.

May your holidays be filled with merry memories from the past and the promise of future memories from the present!