How to write family history in a fun way

It was a warm sunny day. My young family was outside enjoying the golden daffodils and the brilliant display of colorful tulips while listening to the breeze stir the leaves of the swaying trees. Suddenly, the wind blew stronger and dark clouds appeared.

First a slight pinch turned into a shower, then it spilled out. We quickly gathered our things and headed to the shelter. Why do we run from what sustains us?

Whenever there is a severe drought, no one runs away from the rain. On the contrary, they call everyone they know, they stare up at the sky as the rain falls on their relieved and happy faces. They absorb it all, wading into it, walking and laughing at it. But that day … That day we ran like idiots!

As I watch it rain from the inside looking out, I often think of how lush and bright the foliage will grow with good watering. My thoughts move to episodes in my life that indicated personal growth, accomplishments, and goals achieved. then I say, I have to take the time to write this.

It is important to record notable events in the life of each family member and review them from time to time. Putting it all in a family history record preserves history for generations to come. But achievement is not all that should be listed in history books. There are sunny days and cloudy days, droughts and surprise showers. There are times when you duck further to go deeper and reach higher and many life lessons learned along the way. Best of all, lots of laughter and spontaneous fun. These times deserve to be recorded as well.

Having fun with family history

And speaking of family history records, it’s always best to keep a record, journal, or blog of your family life, including genealogy, personal accomplishments, contributions to the community, and life in general while growing up. But family history doesn’t always have to be short and dry.

Add some life by including some fun photos of the baby in a sudsy bath or the toddler frantically chasing bubbles in the park. Include silly jokes like throwing water on Daddy’s head as he sleeps on the porch or the baby’s first attempt to feed himself while making a complete mess of what was a perfectly prepared spaghetti dinner.

Add some light anecdotal stories from family interviews and include some excerpts from humorous text messages sent and received by family members. Go back in time to yesteryear and take a walk on the fun side of life. Collect bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos worn over the years.

Describe the characteristic dances and costumes of the time. Record the days the children decided to take over the kitchen and make dinner? Record those secret shower serenades when the bather didn’t think anyone was listening. There is nothing like watching photographic stories and videos of failed attempts at inventions, recipes, and art compared to the gaze of glee when, after many attempts, they finally succeed.

Present your story at family gatherings

What could be a better place to present family history than at family gatherings? While family gatherings often include traditional activities like picnics, recipe exchanges, outdoor games, delving into family history and sharing it in an organized and meaningful way can be exciting. But good intentions are often met with distractions, and a genealogy presentation project is often left undone.

Often times, the problem is time and delegation. Genealogy projects are often the last minute item on the event agenda and with all the time and effort it takes to prepare for a meeting, the mental stamina that the event planner needs is invested in the event itself. To put together a truly engaging genealogy presentation, first find someone in the planning stages of the event to carry out the photographic and video documentation gathering tasks, as well as to make copies of the written journals. The next thing you need is a goal, some organization and inspiration.

The goal

There are several approaches to recording history and family life. Photos, videos, slideshows, audio, diaries, and more. Why not combine them all and create a 15-20 minute documentary complete with narration and soundtrack? these would be a hit at the next family reunion.

Some organization

There are some family reunion planning web apps that guide you through the process of hosting a successful and enriching family reunion on the topic of genealogy. Complete with online tools to help you conduct your genealogy research and worksheets to help you present the presentation style of your family genealogy records, you will have your family reunion event planned, organized and ready to manage in no time. .

Inspiration

Take the time to watch popular documentaries about entertainment personalities and prominent contributors to literature, science, medicine, and entertainment. You are willing to find inspiration and direction for your family history presentations and documentaries. “Hey, it looks like the suns are coming out. Everybody outside and bring the video camera!”

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