AI image created by Sally Romano
If you’re ready to start organising your genealogy research next year, December is the perfect time to begin.
December can feel busy, but it’s also a great reset point — a chance to clear the mental clutter and start organising your family history research for the year ahead.
With a little intention, you can use this time to organise your genealogy so the new year feels more focused and productive.
And you can use my FREE 2026 Genealogy Research Planner to give you additional structure and support as you begin organising your genealogy research.
Here are five practical steps to help you use December as your genealogy organising super power.
1. Pause and Review how your genealogy research unfolded 🗓️
Before planning ahead, take a moment to look back.
Ask yourself…
- What worked well this year?
- What moved your research forward?
- What slowed you down?
A quick genealogy review helps you see what’s worth carrying forward — and equally important, what genealogy habits you can let go.
It lets you pause, take stock and move forward more effectively with your family history organisation.
2. Decide what matters most in your genealogy research 💡
You don’t need a detailed plan yet — you simply need thoughts and ideas.
Take a moment to think about what would make a big difference to your genealogy next year.
It might be finishing a long-running project, finally tackling a specific ancestor, organising your genealogy files or developing a new research skill.
Whatever it is, choose the theme, project or outcome that would leave you feeling satisfied by this time next year if you achieved it.
Even having the nexus of an idea will give you direction and help to make every decision easier — what to start, what to postpone, and what’s going to help you make progress.
3. Choose one Bold Goal for the year 🎯
One of the most important tips inside the Genealogy Planner is…
Choose ONE Bold Goal!
It will be your north star for the year. ✨
➡️ It will give your genealogy research a clear direction (instead of scattering your energy across 10 different ideas).
➡️ It will stop the overwhelm before it starts!
Most genies don’t struggle because they lack motivation —
they struggle because everything feels important.
A Bold Goal cuts through that noise and lets you build real momentum.
[NB. If you only do one of these 5 steps, do this one!]
4. Support your genealogy goal with helpful tools & resources 🛠️
To get organised (and stay organised) you need a supportive framework that’s easy to follow.
Take some of the pressure off yourself and find resources that can help you organise your genealogy.
Use your genie network, search the web, visit forums etc — wherever you can find the best resources to help you on your journey.
And just remember, not every genealogy tool suits everybody — so just use what suits you.
I actually created the FREE Genealogy Research Planner for this purpose — to help you map out your projects, track your progress and stay focused throughout the year with worksheets, templates and trackers.
Whatever tools you choose, make sure they help you make organising your genealogy research feel more manageable.
5. Take One Step Now 👣
Momentum doesn’t come from big plans — it comes from action.
No matter how tiny, take one step toward getting your family history organised.
Take one step now — whether it’s…
- Taking stock of your progress this year
- Deciding what is most important for you genealogy journey
- Choosing a Bold Goal – or
- Finding helpful genealogy resources
Small steps taken now create a smoother, more organised start to your new year.
Because… from little things, big things grow.
Final Thoughts 💭
You don’t need perfection to make this work — imperfect action is far more powerful (and motivating).
There’s no ideal starting point either — just a starting point that suits you.
Please let me know how you’re getting on and if I can help you in any way.
I can’t wait to hear what your new year genealogy resolutions are! 😍
