Your holiday parties have started or are about to get underway.  Maybe you have always wanted to capture memories of Aunt Edna who is now 90 years old.  Why do you keep putting it off?  Not sure where to start?  Afraid of technology?

If your gathering has more than a couple of people, chances are that someone has a Smartphone.  That means you have access to a camera, camcorder, and voice recorder.  Not sure how to use them?  Get Cousin Bob who always has the latest gadget or – better yet – recruit a teenager.  Chances are they are a bit bored anyway.  You might as well give them something to do!

Some suggestions:

Upload photos to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, etc.  All of these methods allow sharing and the posting of comments.

Create a video of Aunt Edna.  Maybe you don’t have those interview questions ready to go. Don’t worry about it – just capture her talking about things and the questions will come.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  Post this to YouTube for the family to access.

Is Aunt Edna a bit uncomfortable about the video idea?  Don’t lose the moment:  find a voice recorder app before you leave for the party and use that instead.  You can have it running and it just appears like you just have your phone on the table.  Not intimidating.

Don’t forget to ask about family photos – that leads to some good discussion as well.

I urge you to take advantage of all the wonderful genealogical opportunities you’ll be given this holiday season.

©2012 copyright, Wendy Malinowski