As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to the joy of family gatherings, shared meals, and celebrations. Whether you celebrate with presents under the tree, wooden shoes stuffed with straw, or a bonfire made from dried thorn branches, it is a season of joy and togetherness.

The Christmas season is an opportune time for breaking down barriers and for connecting with those who lighten our lives or whose lives we can make lighter through helpful service. Whether driven by personal convictions of faith or love for mankind, we choose to light the world.

Here are some ways that family history can help you light the world this Christmas season. For even more ideas of how to reach out to friends, neighbors, and loved ones, please revisit our suggestions from last year.

Week 1—Light the World

Join with others in making December 1 a worldwide day of service by aiding someone in his or her family history quest. Many people visit FamilySearch.org out of a desire to know their ancestors better. So help light the world by choosing to help someone learn about their ancestors during this first week.

How you can light the world—This week, help someone learn more about family by recording a family story or sharing a family photo. You can also add more information about your ancestors in FamilySearch Family Tree. Who knows? You could help relatives solve a puzzle that they have been trying to answer for years!

Read more about weeks 1-4 on the FamilySearch Blog.