Need a quick family gift idea for Xmas? Why not give a family tree as a Christmas gift? Family trees are fun to look at, but they’re also useful for learning more about your ancestors’ lives. They can tell you things like how long ago people lived in different places, when they immigrated to America, and maybe even how they celebrated Christmas.
Start with a Name Search
You can start by searching for names online using tools such as Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and “Portale Antenati”. These sites will help you find records that might contain details about your ancestor’s life, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, military service records, census records, naturalization papers, immigration documents, and more.
Add Parents and Siblings
If you’re looking for more information about your ancestors, try adding parents and siblings to your search. This will give you access to additional records that might not otherwise be available. When you have gathered enough information about the last one or two generations, your may turn your family tree into a Christmas gift.
Build a FamilySearch Profile
You can build a FamilySearch profile by filling out a short form with basic information such as name, date of birth, and place of birth. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll be able to assemble your family tree for free, and find out more about your ancestry. Both sites allow you to search through millions of records to learn more about your ancestors’ lives.
Create Your Family Tree Keepsake
Head over to the this page at Familysearch and select among the many options available.
Share Photos and Memories
Besides printing out your family tree, you can also share photos and memories with others by uploading them to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Flickr, and other social media sites.
