Welcome to October – Family History Month! How did that happen so quickly? I know time doesn’t speed up or slow down, but once July 4th comes and goes it seems like the rest of the year just flies by.
In this blog post, learn some easy ways to celebrate your family. Let’s see if we can slow things down a bit and make memories you’ll cherish forever.
If you want to know how October came to be Family History Month, you can read all about that here. This year, why not focus on a few activities (or just one) where you can connect with your family in a new way?
Ancestral Recipe Night
What better way to explore your family’s history than by sharing ancestral recipes? Each week pick a different cuisine that reflects your family’s heritage, whether it’s Italian, Chinese, Mexican, etc. Maybe you have family nearby and want to come together once a week to share that meal. Make sure to involve the kids. You might discover some hidden cooking talents in the family.
Ancestral Recipe Cookbook
Do you own recipes handed down from generation to generation and now you’re the recipe keeper? Why not devote this month to organizing them into a cookbook for other family members? It would make a great Christmas gift. My dad was the keeper of this cookbook from his aunts.
The book may be falling apart but it still has wonderful recipes, like lemon butter. Read about my attempt to make it here.
Interview Time
Gather your family together and have the younger generation ask questions. Videotape these “interviews” for everyone to see. If you’re stumped on what to ask, look at this list from Ancestry.com. It has some wonderful questions to get the conversation started. My husband interviewed his grandmother before she passed and he cherishes the talk they had.
Old Family Photo Challenge
Get out all the pictures and photo albums and organize a “before and after” challenge. Each family member chooses an old family photo and recreates it as closely as possible. From the clothing to the poses, you’ll have a blast comparing the old and the new. Make sure to take photos of the new.
Family Storybook
For some of the younger kids, have them craft their very own storybook. Provide blank notebook paper and art supplies and ask them to put together stories they’ve heard from your family’s past. You could also do this with poster board and make a “vision board” of what they think their heritage is about.
Time Capsule Challenge
Have your children create a time capsule filled with letters, drawings, and small mementos. You can bury it in the backyard or just store it away for future generations to find. Make a note to yourself to have a discovery party at the child’s high school or college graduation. Once you dig it up, you’ll have a wonderful time remembering that day.
Host A Family History Movie Night
Another fun idea for Family History Month is to host a movie night featuring films that tie into your family’s heritage. Whether it’s a documentary about the country your ancestors came from or a classic film in the language they spoke, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in their culture. You can even make a themed dinner to match! This ties in perfectly with idea #1!
Let the kids pick the movie one week, and next week let the adults choose. This is a relaxed, enjoyable way to bring a piece of your family’s past into your present, while also learning something new.
Plan A Family History Road Trip
This could be a physical trip to an ancestral place or a virtual one. Whether it’s the small town your grandparents grew up in, the cemetery where ancestors are buried, or an old family farm, visiting these places brings a new level of connection to your family history.
You don’t have to travel far—sometimes the most meaningful places are closer than you think. Make a weekend out of it, take plenty of pictures, and maybe even stop by the local library or historical society to see if you can uncover more information about your ancestors while you’re there.
Finally
Each of these activities adds a new layer of fun and connection to Family History Month. Whether you’re gathering recipes, creating time capsules, or visiting ancestral places, it’s all about celebrating where you came from and passing those stories down to the next generation. Have fun with it, and make this month one to remember!
Genealogy tip: Whatever activity you choose, make this month the time to relive traditions of the past and to start making new ones.
If you’re just starting your family history or need help continuing it, please give me a call. I’d love to help you with your journey to the past.
