How To Discover Your Ancestors' Christmas Traditions

by Shenley Puterbaugh

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For many families Christmas is a time of love, giving and traditions. Have you ever wondered how your ancestors celebrated Christmas? What did they eat on Christmas Eve or for Christmas dinner? Were there specials treats they enjoyed? Were there activities they did or games they played? Here are some ways to learn about your ancestors Christmas traditions.

  1. Ask your oldest living relatives how they celebrated Christmas. Then ask them about the oldest relatives they remember. Did they ever spend Christmas with them? What do they remember about how their parents or grandparents celebrated Christmas? What was their most memorable Christmas. (Learn more about interviewing family members here)

  2. Research to find how Christmas was celebrated at the time your ancestors were alive and in the area of the world they lived. Different countries have different Christmas traditions and traditions have changed over the years. Find what Christmas songs were popular, what traditional foods were eaten and what traditions of giving they had. (Learn more about researching for stories here)

  3. If your family has possession of any journals that belonged to ancestors look for the entries that were written around Christmas. You may find excerpts about their Christmas celebrations or significant memories or events.

  4. Look for Christmas photos from your ancestors. What details do you notice that will give you clues about their Christmas traditions and celebrations? (Learn more about searching photos for clues here)

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Once you have learned about your ancestors’ Christmas traditions you can

  1. RECORD AND SHARE

Record what you learned to your online family tree (on FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, or MyHeritage.com)! You can also share this information with family members by telling them, posting about it on social media or sending them a written synopsis of what you learned.

2. TRY A TRADITION

If you are looking for ways to spice up your Christmas celebration this year, plan to incorporate some of your ancestors traditions or experiences into your celebration.

  • Sing songs or play their favorite Christmas carols

  • Make a treat that they made

  • Plan a traditional Christmas meal from an ancestors’ homeland (more details here)

  • Play a game or do an activity from an ancestors’ homeland (more details here)

  • Recreate old family Christmas photos or experiences

3. RECORD YOUR OWN TRADITIONS

Don’t forget to record your own Christmas memories and traditions so that your children and grandchildren can know more about you! (Learn more about recording your life here)

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