Ancestral Findings Podcast – Episode AF-1195

Title: 10 “Must-Do” Genealogy Projects for December
Host: AncestralFindings.com
Date: December 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In this festive episode, the Ancestral Findings Podcast explores how December—usually packed with family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations—is actually an ideal time for genealogists to advance their family research. The host shares ten engaging and festive genealogy projects that can easily be integrated into holiday traditions, making family history both meaningful and fun during the busiest time of year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genealogy-Themed Ornaments

• For those celebrating Christmas, create personalized ornaments featuring ancestors’ photos in holiday-shaped frames.
• For other holidays, display ancestor photos around your home or among decorations.
• Quote:

  “Make copies of photos of your ancestors, starting with those still alive and going back as far as you have pictures in your family tree. ... Then label the bottoms with a label maker or a sharpie indicating the ancestor's name, birth date, if applicable, death date and place of origin.” (01:07)

2. Family-Friendly Family Tree Display

• Print a readable family tree with space for photos and key dates, tape together if needed, and frame it for holiday gatherings.
• Prompts stories and conversations among guests.
• Quote:

  “Put it in a frame and hang it on your wall in a prominent place where relatives can see it. It will make a good conversation piece for your get together and likely prompt many interesting stories about your ancestors...” (02:02)

3. Old-Fashioned Family Holiday Recipes

• Make ancestral recipes, especially holiday dishes, to introduce new traditions and invoke nostalgia among older relatives.

4. Vintage-Style Decorations

• Use vintage decorations from ancestors if available.
• Alternatively, research how ancestors decorated and recreate those customs.
• Quote:

  “If you don't have any of these, research how your ancestors decorated and get the supplies to do a reenactment. It will give everyone in the family an opportunity to discuss family history and traditions.” (02:53)

5. Generational Holiday Movie Nights

• Watch movies cherished by different family generations together, sparking memories and stories about holidays past.
• Quote:

  “It may also prompt people to tell genealogically valuable stories about their childhoods and old family holiday traditions.” (03:22)

6. Wrapping Paper from Ancestral Maps

• Copy old maps from places ancestors lived and use them as unique, conversation-starting holiday wrapping paper.
• Quote:

  “The wrapping paper will be charming and different and give everyone a reason to discuss the family history as they unwrap their gifts.” (03:50)

7. Record Holiday Customs in Family Tree

• Use the month’s activities to research and document specific holiday traditions and stories in your family tree notes.

8. Honor Ancestors at Gravesites

• Place poinsettias (or holiday-appropriate flowers) on the graves of nearby ancestors to remember them during the holidays.

9. Write a Chapter of Your Family History Book

• Take advantage of downtime by writing a chapter of your family history, aiming for slow, steady progress.
• Quote:

  “Taking it slowly by writing a chapter a month makes it not so overwhelming and ensures it gets completed.” (05:12)

10. Watch Old Family Movies/Videos Together

• Gather to view vintage family movies—reel to reel, VHS, or digital—to foster appreciation for family memories and unity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On making time for genealogy during the holidays:

  “It may seem like there isn’t much room for genealogy work in the middle of all of that busyness. Yet December is surprisingly the ideal time to tackle some essential genealogy projects and you can work them into your otherwise busy end of the year schedule.” (00:23)

• Why these projects matter:

  “They will remind you why you love each other and the importance of family all year, not just during the holidays.” (05:50)

• Gratitude for the genealogy community:

  “It’s been an incredible journey together since 1995 and your support through these past 29 years means more to me than words can express. I’m so grateful for this wonderful community of genealogy enthusiasts who continue to inspire me every day.” (06:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] – Episode introduction and overview of December’s unique opportunities for genealogy
• [00:50 – 05:56] – Countdown of the 10 must-do genealogy projects for December
• [06:00] – Closing remarks, gratitude, and encouragement to continue researching

Conclusion

This episode provides thoughtful, creative, and practical ways for genealogists of all experience levels to blend holiday traditions with meaningful family history projects. The host’s tone is warm and encouraging, emphasizing both the joy and value of genealogical research during festive times—making it clear that family history can be a central part of holiday celebrations.