Wayfaring Wednesday

What are the most searched for things online this season?

The Things Everyone Apparently Googled This Holiday Season

(And now I’m curious… did you too?)

Every December, the internet quietly tells on us.

Between gift panic, cozy ambitions, and late-night “is this worth it?” searches, Google becomes a pretty honest mirror of what we’re all thinking about. This year’s most-searched holiday topics are a mix of comfort, practicality, and just enough indulgence to feel festive.

Here’s what people were searching — and what each one actually is.

🎥 Mini & Home Movie Projectors
Referenced from: Google Holiday 100

These aren’t the bulky projectors from years ago. Today’s versions are compact, often under $200, and meant to turn a blank wall into a movie night. The appeal makes sense: low effort, cozy, family-friendly, and feels like an “experience” gift instead of another thing.

Translation: people want to stay home, but make it special.

💍 Stackable Rings & Crescent Bags
Referenced from: Vogue holiday trend coverage

These two fashion items kept popping up. Stackable rings are thin bands meant to be worn together — easy to personalize and less intimidating than one big statement piece. Crescent bags are softly curved handbags that sit comfortably under your arm and work with just about everything.

Both feel low-commitment, stylish, and giftable… which explains the search surge.

🧘 Red Light Therapy Devices
Referenced from: Healthline consumer trend articles

This one surprised a lot of people. Red light therapy devices use low-wavelength light and are marketed for skin health, muscle recovery, and general wellness. Whether the science is still being debated or not, the interest is clear: people are prioritizing feeling better, not just looking festive.

🏋️ Weighted Vests
Referenced from: Men’s Health gift trend lists

Not just for athletes anymore. Weighted vests add resistance to everyday walks or workouts and are popular with people focused on strength, bone density, and long-term health. Searches spiked as people started thinking past the holidays and into January.

December optimism is a real thing.

🍪 Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Referenced from: Southern Living

Classic peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss — and apparently the most searched holiday cookie this season. This one feels comforting and nostalgic, which tracks. When everything feels busy, familiar recipes feel grounding.

Also: zero shame if you searched this at 11 p.m. with a grocery list in hand.

🎮 Nintendo Switch (Still!)
Referenced from: New York Post holiday search roundup

Even with newer gaming systems out there, the Switch keeps showing up in top searches. Why? It’s social, family-friendly, and doesn’t require a huge learning curve. People want entertainment they can share — not something that takes over the living room.

So now I have to ask…

Did you search any of these this season?
Or was your Google history more like:

• “Best gifts for someone who says they don’t want anything”

• “Is it too late to ship this”

• “How many cookies is too many cookies”

Either way, the searches tell a story — one that’s a little hopeful, a little cozy, and very human.

And honestly? I kind of love that.

— Sandra

So… I went straight to Betty Crocker and looked up the classic Peanut Butter Blossom cookies.
I love these because kids can actually help without it turning into chaos. They’re simple, forgiving, and much better suited to shorter attention spans than cut-out sugar cookies that require rolling, chilling, and frosting.

There’s something nice about a recipe that lets little hands participate — roll, place, press — and still feel successful at the end. Less overwhelm, more fun, and cookies everyone recognizes.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

A holiday classic inspired by Betty Crocker

Makes: about 36 cookies
Oven: 375°F
Time: ~25 minutes total

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• Extra granulated sugar, for rolling

• About 36 milk-chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, and egg until smooth.

3. Mix in flour, baking soda, and baking powder until dough forms.

4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in sugar.

5. Place balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Bake 8–10 minutes, just until lightly golden.

7. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

8. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.

A little tip

If you like softer cookies, pull them out closer to 8 minutes. They’ll finish setting as they cool — and stay tender longer.

A Quiet Advantage After the New Year

If buying a home is on your horizon, the weeks just after the New Year can be one of the smartest times to start looking.

The holiday rush has passed, sellers who listed late in the year are often more motivated, and competition tends to be calmer than the spring surge. It’s a season where decisions are less emotional and more intentional—buyers are focused, listings feel clearer, and conversations tend to be more grounded.

There’s also something fitting about beginning a home search in January. A fresh calendar invites thoughtful planning, realistic timelines, and space to make wise choices without pressure. Whether you’re casually exploring or quietly preparing for a move later in the year, this window often rewards those who pay attention.

If a new chapter is on your mind, the New Year may be a very good place to begin.

Weekly Market Snapshot | Lancaster County

The market has settled into its winter rhythm—and that’s not a bad thing.

Inventory is lighter, buyers are more intentional, and pricing has remained steady. Homes are still moving, just without the frenzy we see in spring. This season tends to favor clarity over chaos.

For buyers: fewer bidding wars, more thoughtful decisions.
For sellers: the ones still on the market are serious—and so are the buyers looking now.

Quiet markets often reward those who are prepared.

Sandra Burkholder, EXP Realty
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000
Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and York County, PA

Connecting you to your dream home and the heart of the community with a professional yet approachable touch.

www.sandraburkholder.com | www.wayfaringlancaster.com
[email protected] | [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.

Get Pre-Approved Before house hunting. I recommend contacting Shelly.