‘Tis the Season for Giving (Answers)

As another year wraps up here at Arc Intermedia, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for our amazing clients, partners, and team members who’ve made it such a success. We’ve been hard at work helping businesses navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, and we’re excited to see what the new year brings.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we thought we’d share a little something special with you – a glimpse into the minds of our team through the lens of AI! We asked our team to share some of their recent AI answer engine searches using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, and the results were both insightful and entertaining.

From the latest marketing trends to holiday recipe ideas and even some philosophical musings, our team’s searches offer a fun and festive peek into the diverse interests and curiosities that drive us. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and join us for a lighthearted exploration of what’s been on our minds this holiday season.

David Sonn, President

QUESTION: Any and all historical data and outcomes around NBA games played on Christmas Day. For amusement purposes only

ANSWER: Okay, basketball fan, get ready for a stocking full of NBA Christmas Day stats! Here’s a breakdown of some historical data and outcomes to make your holiday hoops viewing even more fun:

• First Christmas Game: 1947 (Three games were played: Knicks vs. Steamrollers, Capitals vs. Bombers, and Bullets vs. Stags)
• Most Games Played on Christmas: The Knicks, with 54 appearances (as of 2023).
• Teams Never to Play on Christmas: Only one – the Charlotte Hornets!
• Current Format: Five games are played on Christmas Day, with staggered start times throughout the day.
   

Memorable Moments & Records:

• Highest Individual Score: Bernard King dropped a whopping 60 points for the Knicks in 1984 against the Nets.
• Other Notable Scoring Feats: Wilt Chamberlain had 59 points and 36 rebounds in 1961, and Tracy McGrady averaged over 40 points in his three Christmas Day games.
• Assist King: Tiny Archibald dished out 18 assists in 1972.
• Epic Finals Rematch: In 2016, the Cavaliers and Warriors (who had just faced off in the Finals) had a thrilling overtime game that went down to the wire, with the Cavs winning 109-108.

Teams with the Most Christmas Wins:

• New York Knicks: 24 wins (but also the most losses, with 32)
• Los Angeles Lakers: 24 wins
• Boston Celtics: 16 wins

Fun Facts:

• The NBA has played games on Christmas Day every year since 1947, with the exception of 1998 due to a lockout.
• In 2011, Christmas Day marked the official start of the season due to another lockout.
• Christmas games often feature the league’s top teams and players, regardless of their location.
   

Matthew Ulmer, VP of Operations & Client Relations

QUESTION: Give me three good arguments why pumpkin pie should count as a vegetable

ANSWER: Okay, while it might be a stretch to officially classify pumpkin pie as a vegetable, here are three playful arguments you can use to defend your love of this Thanksgiving staple:

1. 1. It’s Made with Pumpkin! Pumpkin is undeniably a vegetable, packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. Just because it’s combined with other ingredients and baked into a delicious pie doesn’t negate its vegetable origins. It’s like arguing that a carrot cake isn’t made with carrots!

   2. It’s Part of a Balanced Diet… Right? Okay, maybe not a perfectly balanced diet, but Thanksgiving dinner is all about variety. You’ve got your turkey (protein), mashed potatoes (starch), cranberry sauce (fruit)… and pumpkin pie adds a crucial serving of vegetables to round out the meal.

   3. It’s Technically a Fruit Pie: Botanically speaking, pumpkins are actually fruits. So, pumpkin pie is technically a fruit pie, and fruit is an essential part of a healthy diet. Therefore, by the transitive property, pumpkin pie is healthy! (Okay, maybe we’re stretching the logic a bit here, but it’s all in good fun.)

Mike Maier, VP of Solutions & User Experience

QUESTION: Can you cook Stove Top Stuffing in a crock pot?

ANSWER: You absolutely can cook stovetop stuffing in a crockpot! It’s a fantastic way to free up stove space and keep your stuffing warm and moist throughout your meal.

Here’s a simple method for cooking stovetop stuffing in a crockpot:

Ingredients:

• 1 box (6 ounces) of stovetop stuffing mix (any flavor)
   
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Add ingredients to the crockpot: Pour the water and butter into your crockpot.
2. Heat: Cover and cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours, or until the water is hot and the butter is melted.
3. Add stuffing mix: Stir in the stuffing mix until it’s well combined with the water and butter.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Keep warm: Switch the crockpot to the WARM setting and let the stuffing sit for 5 minutes before serving. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust liquid: If your stuffing seems too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the stuffing to prevent it from drying out or burning.
• Add flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding sauteed vegetables, herbs, or broth to the stuffing mix.

Patrick Coyne, Director of Organic & Local Search

QUESTION: Where can I stream the movie Elf?

ANSWER: You have a few options for streaming Elf this holiday season!

• HBO Max: Elf is currently streaming on HBO Max.
• Hulu: You can also find Elf streaming on Hulu.
• Amazon Prime Video: If you have an HBO Max subscription through Amazon Prime Video channels, you can watch it there as well.
   

If you don’t have any of those subscriptions, you can also rent or purchase Elf from various digital platforms, including:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Google Play Movies & TV
• YouTube
• Vudu

Katie Schieder, Director of Inbound Marketing & Content

QUESTION: List of side dishes you can make in under 10 minutes

ANSWER: Quick and tasty side dishes are totally doable, even when time is tight. Here are a few ideas to get those taste buds tingling:

Fresh and Flavorful:

• Caprese Salad: Slice up some ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with fresh basil. Boom! Instant elegance.
• Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Refreshing and light.

Hearty and Satisfying:

• Microwave-Steamed Broccoli with Lemon: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and lemon juice, then steam in the microwave until tender-crisp.
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: Sauté fresh spinach with garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple yet flavorful side.

A Little Something Different:

• Roasted Grapes with Rosemary: Toss grapes with olive oil and fresh rosemary, then roast in a hot oven until they start to burst. Sweet and savory deliciousness.
• Avocado with Everything Bagel Seasoning: Halve an avocado, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and a squeeze of lime juice. Simple, satisfying, and on-trend.

Tips for Speedy Sides:

• • Prep Ahead: Wash and chop veggies in advance for even faster cooking.
  • Embrace Frozen: Frozen veggies are your friend! They cook quickly and are just as nutritious as fresh.
  • Keep it Simple: Don’t overthink it. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the tastiest.

Laura Jo Sharpe, Director of Paid Advertising

QUESTION: List of best holiday rom-coms

ANSWER: Here’s a list of some of the best holiday rom-coms to warm your heart and get you in the festive spirit:

Classics:

• Love Actually (2003): This ensemble rom-com follows the intertwined love stories of various characters during the Christmas season in London. It’s heartwarming, funny, and features an all-star cast.
• The Holiday (2006): Two women from different countries swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected romance in their new surroundings.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995): A lonely transit worker saves a man’s life and ends up pretending to be his fiancée while he’s in a coma.
• Elf (2003): While not strictly a rom-com, this hilarious Christmas classic has plenty of heart and a sweet romance subplot.

Modern Favorites:

• Happiest Season (2020): A lesbian couple navigates the challenges of coming out to family during the holidays.
• Holidate (2020): Two strangers agree to be each other’s platonic dates for every holiday throughout the year, but their arrangement takes an unexpected turn.
• Last Christmas (2019): A young woman working as an elf in a Christmas shop finds love and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.
• The Knight Before Christmas (2019): A medieval knight is transported to modern-day Ohio and falls in love with a science teacher.

Hidden Gems:

• Just Friends (2005): A formerly overweight man returns to his hometown for Christmas and tries to win over his childhood crush.
• Serendipity (2001): Two strangers meet by chance while Christmas shopping and decide to leave their fate in the hands of destiny.

Bonus:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): While not a rom-com, this animated classic is a must-watch for its heartwarming message and timeless charm.

This list offers a mix of heartwarming classics, modern favorites, and hidden gems to satisfy your holiday rom-com cravings. So grab some hot cocoa, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these festive films!

Olivia Berry, Senior Digital Advertising Manager

QUESTION: What are the best holiday-themed bars nearby?

ANSWER: Oh, you’re looking for some holiday cheer in Philly? You’re in luck! This city goes all out with festive pop-up bars. Here are a few of the best:

• Tinsel: This Midtown Village spot is a Christmas explosion! Think over-the-top decorations, themed cocktails like the “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Mistletoe Margarita,” and even carolers. It’s the OG of Philly holiday pop-ups.
• Uptown Beer Garden: This outdoor spot transforms into the “Uptown Express” for the holidays, inspired by classic Christmas movies. They have fire pits, festive drinks, and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a chilly night.
• Craftsman Row Saloon: This place gets decked out with thousands of lights and serves up creative cocktails like the “Munchkin Land” and “Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned.” It’s a fun and festive spot with a good mix of classic and unique drinks.
• The Cauldron Philly: For something truly unique, check out this magical bar with a wizarding theme. They offer potion-making experiences and festive cocktails with a magical twist. Think smoking drinks and bubbling concoctions!

A few things to keep in mind:

• • Reservations: These places get packed, so make reservations if possible, especially on weekends.
  • Pop-up Dates: Double-check the dates these pop-ups are running, as they usually have a limited time frame.
  • Atmosphere: Each bar has a different vibe. Tinsel is high-energy, while Uptown Beer Garden is more relaxed. Choose the one that best suits your style.

May Rowland, Senior SEO Manager

QUESTION: What are the best tips for traveling during the holidays?

ANSWER: 1. Plan Ahead (Like, Really Ahead):

• Book Early: Flights, trains, and rental cars book up FAST during the holidays. The earlier you reserve, the better your chances of getting the best deals and avoiding sold-out situations.
• Be Accommodation-Savvy: Whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or staying with family, lock in your lodging well in advance, especially if you’re traveling to a popular destination.

2. Pack Smart & Light:

• Carry-On is Key: Avoid checked baggage fees and the risk of lost luggage by packing light and efficiently. Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and stick to versatile items you can mix and match.
• Essentials in Your Carry-On: Keep valuables, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your checked bag gets delayed.

3. Navigate the Airport Like a Pro:

• Check-In Online: Save time at the airport by checking in online and downloading your boarding pass to your phone.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Consider enrolling in these programs to expedite security lines and customs.
• Airport Lounge Access: If you have a long layover or want to escape the crowds, consider purchasing access to an airport lounge for a more comfortable and relaxing experience.

4. Stay Informed & Be Flexible:

• Flight/Travel Alerts: Sign up for flight alerts to stay informed about any delays or changes to your itinerary.
• Weather Updates: Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your destination and any connecting cities.
• Flexibility is Key: Things don’t always go as planned during the holidays. Be prepared for potential delays and disruptions, and have backup plans in place.

5. Minimize Stress & Maximize Enjoyment:

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport or train station, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours.
• Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Bring snacks, books, or downloaded movies to keep yourself entertained during travel delays or long journeys.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on flights, to stay hydrated and avoid feeling sluggish.
• Practice Patience: The holidays can be a stressful time to travel. Remember to take deep breaths, be kind to fellow travelers and staff, and focus on the joy of the season.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to pack a portable charger for your phone! You’ll need it for all those holiday photos and videos.

Chyenne Lettsome, SEO Manager

QUESTION: Generate a holiday playlist of the top 5 songs from each decade beginning in 1980

ANSWER: Here are some holiday hits to add to your playlist from the past five decades!

1980s

1. “Last Christmas” – Wham! (1984)
2. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid (1984)
3. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl (1987)
4. “Merry Christmas Everyone” – Shakin’ Stevens (1985)
5. “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses (1981)

1990s

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey (1994)
2. “Merry Christmas Everybody” – Slade (re-release, originally 1973)
3. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney (1979, but gained major popularity in the 90s)
4. “Stay Another Day” – East 17 (1994)
5. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – duet versions popularized in the 90s (original much older)

2000s

1. “Christmas Lights” – Coldplay (2010)
2. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande (2014)
3. “My Only Wish (This Year)” – Britney Spears (2000)
4. “8 Days of Christmas” – Destiny’s Child (2001)
5. “White Christmas” – Katy Perry (2008)

2010s

1. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams (originally 1963, but HUGE resurgence)
2. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee (originally 1958, but regained popularity)
3. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber (2011)
4. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson (2013)
5. “Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers (2019)

2020s (so far!)

1. 1. “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift (2019, but peak popularity in the 2020s)
   2. “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” – Gwen Stefani ft. Blake Shelton (2017, but ongoing popularity)
   3. “Cozy Little Christmas” – Katy Perry (2018, but ongoing popularity)
   4. “Holidays” – Meghan Trainor ft. Earth, Wind & Fire (2020)
   5. “Fall in Love at Christmas” – Mariah Carey ft. Khalid & Kirk Franklin (2021)

Get in the Holiday Spirit! Ask AI

Curious about marketing in 2025? Ask the Arc team. Curious about anything else holiday related? Ask an AI answer engine. Here are some more questions that our team is asking. Try asking Perplexity, Gemini, or ChatGPT and see what fun answers, suggestions, and tips they provide.

• Calculate the quantities for luminaries for a 0.6 mile street both sides and estimated costs per house
• Can wearing AirPods all day while family is visiting damage my ears?
• How much eggnog is too much eggnog?
• List 10 good discussion topics to use with my cousins from out of town I only talk to once a year
• Can you shorten your outdoor Christmas lights?
• List of top toys for one year old girls this holiday
• Tips on getting your child to sleep while also enjoying the holiday festivities
• Gifts to give your partner for your first holiday as a married couple
• What are some interesting Christmas traditions celebrated around the world?
• What are the top holiday cocktail recipes to try this season?
• When does the Philadelphia Christmas Village open for the season?
• What are some homemade holiday gift ideas?
• What are some self-care tips for the holiday season?
• Provide a list of trending holiday games to play with family
• Give me a recipe for a holiday punch that includes apple cider