As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a big year at Granite Post. We grew our community in a major way, welcoming around 28,000 new followers across all platforms.

If you joined us this past year, welcome. I’m really glad you’re here, and thank you to everyone who’s been reading, sharing, and supporting our work.

We’ll be back to our regular schedule in your inbox starting Jan. 5.

Today I’m spotlighting:

💻 Most Googled slang words in NH of 2025 

📚 Most checked-out books at Boston Public Library

🎆 Top NH fireworks shows to ring in the new year

❄️ Top winter festivals in NH to look forward to in 2026

Google search. (2H Media/Unsplash)

Granite Staters spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out slang words in 2025, according to Google Trends data.

Here are 2025’s top-searched slang words and their meanings:

💻 67
Pronounced “six-seven.” It was named Dictionary.com’s 2025 word of the year. People are using it for just about anything. It’s a phrase that basically means…nothing. Or everything. It all started with Skrilla’s December 2024 song “Doot Doot,” where he raps, “6-7, I just bipped right on the highway (bip, bip).” The line went viral on TikTok and was further amplified after one user used the song in a video and joked that NBA player LaMelo Ball plays like he’s six-foot-two even though he’s actually six-seven. 

💻 PMO 
Pissing me off
Used to express frustration or annoyance.

💻 FOMO
Fear of missing out
That anxious feeling you get when you think you’re missing something fun or important.

💻 ICL
I can’t lie
Used before giving an honest opinion.

💻 SYFM 
Shut your (expletive) mouth 
A blunt way to show shock or disbelief (sometimes joking, sometimes not).

Inside Boston Public Library. (C J/Unsplash)

Looking to freshen up your reading list? The Boston Public Library just released its roundup of the most-checked-out books of 2025, based on both print and digital loans—and readers clearly had strong favorites.

“The most-borrowed titles of 2025 span a mix of genres, settings, and storytelling styles, yet they share one clear thread: new releases from authors building stronger connections with readers,” said Melissa Andrews, the library’s chief of collection management, in a press release. “This shows that readers continue to seek out stories offering both familiarity and connection, returning to worlds and voices they love while discovering something new that grows and evolves with them. That sense of shared reading was especially evident with ‘Onyx Storm,’ which was borrowed more than 9,000 times this year.”

The top 10 most checked-out library books of 2025:

📚 “Onyx Storm,” Rebecca Yarros

📚 “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Sarah J. Maas

📚 “Happy Place,” Emily Henry

📚 “Demon Copperhead,” Barbara Kingsolver

📚 “The Wedding People,” Alison Espach

📚 “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Suzanne Collins

📚 “The Women,” Kristin Hannah

📚 “Shield of Sparrows,” Devney Perry

📚 “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Suzanne Collins

📚 “Great Big Beautiful Life,” Emily Henry

Winter fireworks. (Jonny Gios/Unsplash)

Ring in the new year with spectacular fireworks across New Hampshire! Whether you’re looking for mountain-town charm, a seaside celebration, or a lakeside show, you can probably find something for the family. 

🎇 North Conway’s New Year’s Night Out + Fireworks (North Conway)
When: Dec. 31
Fireworks: Early show at Cranmore Mountain Resort, 6:30 p.m. Main fireworks over Schouler Park at 9 p.m.
Details: Day-long activities, prize hunts, music, entertainment, and community events throughout North Conway Village, culminating in fireworks displays.
More info

🎆 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Hampton Beach (Hampton, Seacoast)
When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: On the beach at the top of B & C streets
What to expect: A family-friendly fireworks show against the ocean backdrop—early enough to head home before midnight if desired. Free and open to the public.
More info

✨ NYE Fireworks Show — Waterville Valley Town Square (Waterville Valley)
When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Town Square, near Corcoran Pond
Details: Fireworks over the pond with a community celebration atmosphere. Great option for mountain-town vibes and families.
More info

🎇 First Night Portsmouth — Fireworks at South Mill Pond (Portsmouth)
When: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
Where: South Mill Pond, Portsmouth
What to expect: Part of Portsmouth’s First Night celebration—an alcohol-free, family-oriented New Year’s event with art, music, and more, ending with fireworks.
More info

🔥 Last Night Wolfeboro — Fireworks Over Wolfeboro Bay (Wolfeboro)
When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Over Wolfeboro Bay off the Town Docks
Feel: A classic lakeside community event with early-evening fireworks—perfect for families or those looking for an earlier show. (Fireworks are weather-dependent.)
More info

Looking for the best winter events in New Hampshire? From dazzling holiday lights and ice sculptures to chocolate-filled adventures, the Granite State is full of festive fun this season.

❄️ Concord NH Winter Fest
Concord, Jan. 24
Features an ice-carving competition, food trucks, and an ice bar. Sculptures in past years have included animals and popular characters.
More info

❄️ Keene Ice & Snow Festival
Keene, Feb. 7
Family-friendly festival with professional ice carving, pony/train rides, hot cocoa stations, circus performers, a scavenger hunt, and s’mores.
More info

❄️ Newport Winter Carnival
Newport, Feb. 11–15
One of the oldest continuous winter carnivals in the U.S., featuring parades, ice skating parties, cook-offs, and horse-drawn wagon rides. 2026 theme: Red, White & Brr.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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