When I was a kid, the worst part of family Christmas gatherings was having to wait until AFTER dinner, AFTER the adults had their coffee, and AFTER the men played cards before we could open our Christmas presents. It can be difficult trying to find things for the kids to do during these family gatherings, especially when they are cooped up at another relative's house with little or no toys around.
Large family gatherings like the ones that happen around the holidays are great times to share family history stories, but small children physically cannot sit still long enough to hear more than one or two very short stories. I came up with an activity for kids that will hopefully help them pass the time, AND is also one that helps record a couple of unique traits about each person in their family. (Click on the image below to access a PDF.)
Large family gatherings like the ones that happen around the holidays are great times to share family history stories, but small children physically cannot sit still long enough to hear more than one or two very short stories. I came up with an activity for kids that will hopefully help them pass the time, AND is also one that helps record a couple of unique traits about each person in their family. (Click on the image below to access a PDF.)
Fingerprint and Signature Trees Printable
You will need scissors, a pen or pencil, and an ink pad. Cut out one tree per family member. Have the child(ren) go around to each family member and collect their fingerprint and signature. Be sure each person prints their name on their tree as well!
You could even make a game out of it. Get a fingerprint from one relative and see if the kids can figure out whose fingerprint that is by going around and collecting everyone's prints!
Fingerprints and signatures may not have huge research values when it comes to tracing back family history, BUT they are still unique to each person and something neat to put in the genealogy files.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This printable can also be downloaded from the Printables page.
©2015 Emily Kowalski Schroeder
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