Christmas is just two days away—it’s December 23, 2025—and the internet is buzzing with last-minute holiday panic. Search trends this year show a massive spike in baking recipes, gift-wrapping hacks, and classic cooking questions as people scramble to pull everything together.
From turkey timing to cookie recipes, these are the embarrassingly simple questions that have dominated Google searches in the final stretch of the season. Don’t worry if you’re still Googling them; you’re in very good company.
Below are the top seven, along with straightforward answers, pro tips, and real conversations people are having about them right now.
1. How long do I cook a turkey?
This question tops the charts every single year. For a typical 12-14 pound turkey, plan for 3 to 3.5 hours in a 325°F oven, making sure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. A meat thermometer is non-negotiable—guesswork leads to dry meat or undercooked turkey. Baste occasionally for extra flavor and juiciness, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
If your turkey is stuffed, add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Brining the night before or spatchcocking (flattening) the bird can shave off time and improve flavor. People on social media are sharing their own struggles and solutions, with one user joking about the holiday multitasking chaos:
“I’ve got one guy next to me doing his Christmas wrapping, another across from me googling how long to cook a turkey for and I’m here doing a PowerPoint presentation for later today.”
Another post summed up the universal dread:
“gm 2 days until christmas 🎄 shoutout to everyone asking chatgpt ‘how long to cook a turkey’.”
Even political figures have weighed in, with one comical viral clip asking, “Turkey. Who REALLY likes turkey? Be honest. You’re all full of sh*t, everyone who raised your hand!”—prompting replies about proper cooking and creative ways to use leftovers.
2. How to thaw a frozen turkey quickly?
Last-minute shoppers often end up with a frozen bird and no time to spare. The safest quick method is the cold water thaw: submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes—it takes roughly 30 minutes per pound. Never use hot water or leave it at room temperature, as that can promote bacterial growth.
For tiny turkeys, the microwave can work if you rotate it often and cook immediately after thawing, but it’s risky for larger birds. Most people agree the fridge method (24 hours per 4-5 pounds) is ideal, but real life doesn’t always cooperate.
On social media, people are venting:
“Had to run to the grocery for more butter & saw people buying frozen turkeys. Surely to God they aren’t planning on serving them tomorrow. How do they plan on thawing them out?!”
Others offer practical advice:
“You can thaw a frozen turkey ‘quickly’ in water if you have to.”
Safety is a big topic too, with warnings about fryer fires:
“Make sure you thaw your turkey, pat it dry, and that you don’t put too much oil in the fryer.”
3. What temperature for roasting vegetables?
Roasted vegetables are a holiday staple, and people are searching for the perfect temperature to get that crispy, caramelized finish. Set your oven to 400–425°F and roast for 20–40 minutes, depending on the vegetable. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme before spreading them out on a sheet pan.
High heat is key for browning without sogginess, so preheat fully and avoid overcrowding the pan. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and parsnips all shine at this temperature. Adding garlic, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end takes them to the next level.
While specific chatter about roasting temperatures is quieter this season, the broader holiday cooking conversation emphasizes high heat for that irresistible char.
4. How to make peanut butter blossoms?
Peanut butter blossoms have dominated Google Trends this year, topping the charts in nearly every state as the go-to Christmas cookie.
Start with a simple dough: mix peanut butter, butter, sugars, an egg, and dry ingredients, roll into balls, bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center right out of the oven.
Variations abound—try dark chocolate kisses, festive sprinkles, or even a peppermint twist. They’re beginner-friendly, freeze well, and look impressive on a cookie tray.
Social media is full of love for these treats:
“Cookie day today!! Every December, my Mom and I set aside a day to make cookies for Christmas. Peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodles, but my faves are sugar cookies.”
Another post shared a holiday spin:
“These Peppermint Kiss Cookies are a new must-make for my Christmas Cookie tray. They have a sugar cookie base that’s topped with a peppermint kiss.”
People are also getting creative with seasonal versions:
“Savor every bite of Peanut Butter Blossoms! 🍪💫 Easy to make with peanut butter and chocolate.”
5. How many days until Christmas?
On December 23, people are still Googling this one in disbelief. The answer: just 2 days left. It’s a simple countdown, but the urgency behind it is real—shipping deadlines, wrapping piles, and final grocery runs are all in full swing.
This question often sparks excitement and memes online.
People are posting countdowns left and right:
“How many days left until christmas ?” and “How many days until Christmas 🎁.”
Some tie it to other countdowns:
“Ugh how many more days until Christmas? I mean baseball.”
It’s a lighthearted way to build anticipation and remind ourselves that the joy is in the waiting.
6. What is eggnog made of?
The creamy holiday drink confuses everyone, so the question spikes every December. Traditional eggnog is made with milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks (whipped for thickness), nutmeg, and often a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy. Non-alcoholic versions simply skip the booze, and plant-based options using almond or oat milk are increasingly popular.
Homemade is fresher and more flavorful—just cook the eggs gently to avoid curdling and chill overnight for best results. It’s also versatile in cocktails or desserts.
People are sharing their own recipes and memories:
“Or if I’ve been there with you, I would have made you an old old old family recipe of eggnog which has wild turkey 101 in it.”
7. How to wrap Christmas gifts neatly?
With presents piling up, this question surges in the final days. Use double-sided tape for clean edges, measure paper so it overlaps by about half on boxes, and fold corners like envelopes for sharp creases. Ribbon, bows, or tags add polish, and gift bags are a perfectly acceptable shortcut for odd-shaped items.
A bone folder helps get crisp folds, and practicing on scrap paper is smart. Some people find wrapping therapeutic; others dread it.
One evergreen tip floating around:
“Neatly wrap your Christmas gifts by following these mathematical tricks, because nothing makes tedious tasks more fun than math.”
Personal touches like themed paper or handmade tags make even basic wrapping look thoughtful.
What Christmas Questions Do You Have?
These seven questions might seem basic, but they’re exactly what millions of people are searching for right now. If you’re still Googling any of them, you’re not alone. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the season, and have a very Merry Christmas! 🎄
We’ll Help You Find the Best Free Camping in the USA
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours to enjoy. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: