What is a family tree? Cambridge Dictionary defines a family tree as “a drawing that shows the relationships between the different members of a family, especially over a long period of time.” It’s also known as a pedigree chart, with many branches of names, dates, and relations. And there are no limits. You can make a family tree of your immediate family, or create a mosaic of generations to analyse your ancestry. And in 2020, they’re easier than ever to put together.

Get the facts

If you’re going to create a data-based diagram, you need the data! The amount of information you chose to collect will reflect how many branches are on the tree. It’s important that your family tree is as accurate as possible, to ensure the clearest picture. First, you have to plan how far back in time you’d like to go. Plus, the more information you get, the bigger your tree will be. It’s common for people struggle when it comes to tracing ancestors, so a DNA testing kit is a great way to shed some light on that mystery. The results can play a huge part in the creation of the tree. It’s good to always compare the most popular ancestry tests, to figure out which company is for you.

Pick a platform

There are lots of ways to make a family tree in 2020. If you’re looking to conduct an old-school study of your linage, a paper-based venture would be the perfect option for you. It’s like a classic school project, and great for fans of creative scrapbooking or journaling. You can pick up extra-large foam boards and other fun art supplied from quirky craft stores like Hobbycraft. It also means digging up old photos from family albums, which is a great way to reflect on memories. On the other hand, there’s the option to create a digital family tree, which is ideal if you’re looking to keep adding names. Family Echo is a free and simple online family tree maker, which is the perfect platform for first timers.

Start creating

Now the fun begins! Once you have a list of family members, it’s time to start building. And if you’re naturally a very creative person, you may really enjoy putting this epic collage of history together. The great thing about a project like this, is that it can be done at home and in your own time. You can also generate a tree as a personal activity, or invite close family to join in with the job. The results of DNA testing kits can often take a few weeks to return, which is plenty of time to plan the foundations of your tree. Then as the branches come together, you start to see a beautifully intricate web of family history forming with each piece.

Enjoy the results

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The best part about making a family tree is being able to see the final picture. And the more work you put into the tree, the more you’ll get out of it. A chart with plenty of layers and levels will display years of history on just one page, and provide insight into your biological linage. Fashioning a graphic representation made up of family members also makes a wonderfully homemade gift. It’s something you can keep forever. If the tree is attractively designed, it could certainly make a heartfelt present to a close relative. Some people even prefer homemade presents to material ones!

Making a family tree is a fun and inexpensive way to learn a little more about your history and your culture. And in 2020, it’s easier than ever to create. Whether it’s a digital graph with numbers, facts, and stats, or a physical concept, with handwritten notes and dates, its undoubtedly an exciting experiment to play around with.