No, it's not a recipe idea. Not decorating tips. It's far more memorable. Present your family with a detailed family tree. Yeah, it's going to require a bit of time and leg work, but it will definitely be quite the conversation piece while the family's all together. Everyone will appreciate your effort and find it both entertaining and educational. If you have already started a tree, the holidays are a great time to present it. Here you may find something helpful to add to it. If you're considering starting one from scratch, I'll help get you rolling.

These days there are a variety of resources for helping you trace your genealogy. First of all, there are endless websites to begin your search with. Simply google "family trees" and the response will be overwhelming. Since they all pretty much require a fee for membership to do any "real" research, it's best to comparison shop. I found that many of the popular sites share data banks so it's probably not a good idea to have multiple memberships. Also, they'll offer discounted rates for a longer membership. But keep in mind that in order to put together a thorough tree, you'll need to access resources other than what's offered on the Internet. Therefore, I advise you to sign up by the month since you'll eventually run into a wall through that channel.

The best link I can provide to get you started is www.familytree.com . There, you'll find info on resources, display ideas, and other ideas to include in your tree. 

My suggestion to making the tree interesting is to have a mini bios attached (or available somewhere for reference) if possible. Try your best to gather info on the nationalities and migrations (if you take anything from this project, you should at least be able to identify your actual bloodline, right?). Also, try to include pictures, and tidbits about the lifestyles and character of individual family members. This might include talents, interests, major accomplishments, and personality traits. After all, you might find where you get your own characteristics since you carry the same traits. This step may involve interviewing elder family members (or close family associates) and raiding those old albums. And that should be the fun part.

Whether you plan to craft a tree to display your ancestry, or  use a book, remember to leave room for additional members and additions to the mini bios for major events like marriages, deaths, etc. Everyone will love being incorporated and somehow memorialized. So, however you choose to display it, consider making it easily transportable and preservable so your work holds up as an heirloom.

It's really fascinating info we all should know but it can be so daunting that no one takes the initiative. If you're crunched for time or don't want take on a big project, present a tree that starts with living relatives. Don't forget that you might be able to recruit help with research, writing, and organization if you need it. Either way, generations will enjoy seeing where they come from and, essentially, who they are.