A search for meaning on a very Google Christmas

It's Christmas morning, and unlike most Americans, I'm at work. But like some Americans, I'm at my computer. Just looking at the top 25 Google search terms at this hour is a window into the changing celebration of Christmas:

-- Christmas past. (Think: Folger's classic commercial of the big brother making it home for Christmas.)

Breakfast is on the table, wrapping paper is strewn around the living room. Maybe carols are floating through the air. The family is gathered around some mythical hearth sharing the moment.

-- Christmas present. (Think: "Blade Runner.")

Apparently, everyone is everywhere.

Mom's looking for a mimosa recipe (No. 14. Pretty sure it's O.J. and Champagne) or how to work up a quick standing rib roast (No. 17. Perhaps you shouldn't all be undertaking this.). Little Johnny is looking for Guitar Hero World Tour cheats (No. 12. Just plain lazy.). Maybe little Susie is driving up Apple's stock price by looking for iTunes (Nos. 3, 4, 8, 22. Psst! Susie, I'm pretty sure you can disintermediate Google by using your browser's address bar.). Dad's trying to figure out the new Zune (Nos. 21 and 24) he purchased for himself.

And don't get me started on the top two searches. They deal with America's two great obsessions: food and shopping.

The No. 1 search term on Google this morning is "ihop," as in the International House of Pancakes. Apparently breakfast is on the table, just not the one folks have at home. Mom not mixing up a fresh batch? No matter, just jump in the SUV and head to IHOP, Waffle House (No. 9) or Denny's (No. 10).

The second trend is that folks want to know where they can spend more money. "Stores open on Christmas Day" (No. 2) reflects America's profligate ways. Didn't we keep hearing that people were going to simplify this holiday season? Weren't the recession, war and gas prices going to make this a bloody season for retailers? Not if these searches are any guide: "Wal-Mart Christmas Day hours" (No. 16) and "Is Best Buy open on Christmas" (No. 18).

And btw: Not finding any evidence that Wal-Mart, Best Buy or K mart are open. So you may have to wait until tomorrow.

Step away from the computer and get back to Christmas.

-- Sean Gallagher

Photo: Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Paul Paz]

For we restaurant folks, we don't want a "bail out"... just a helping hand. How about a 100% deducibility for business meals so ALL businesses can start moving $$$ through the economy. Restaurants employ more people in the USA second only to government! Everybody wins!
Thanks!
Paul Paz
www.WaitersWorld.com

[Niki]

I find it hilarious to learn that I was not alone in my desire to find an open IHOP on the 25th. As one of the many Americans who does not celebrate Christmas, with all of the family at home, and no desire to cook, I was seriously craving a nice big breakfast with the family and google searched IHOP hoping that I could find one open. Interesting to see I was clearly not alone in my efforts!

[Karen]

As much as I love pancakes, IHOP is suicidaally high-calorie fare. I'd rather haul myself to the nearest diner.

[Susan]

So true.. I can't believe I am here online and it is Christmas. i resisted electronics for two days, but I had to get on. I worry that Americans are addicted and obsessed. Being wired gets in the way of family, relationships.

Ok -- back to Christmas! Enough!

[Greg Logan]

Paul,

re: your comment to make the meal benefit 100% deductible. As a controller of a small mfg company, while I appreciate you thought on the top, the reality is

a. this will not appreciably effect meal spending one way or the other - the spending for this line item is in no way effected by its deductibility.

b. this will simply allow this deduction to be taken more advantage of than it already is. While I keep our company in compliance, it is easy for this to be taken advantage of.

Sorry, that is just reality.

Sincererly,
Greg

[Stiennon]

Great observations for a new digital holiday. Googmas.

Glad you are working. Someone has to!