Today's Crossword: NYT Hints and Solutions (12/25/24)

Today's Strands puzzle, themed "A Visit From Santa," presents a Christmas-themed word puzzle. Players must identify nine words, including eight themed words and a pangram, hidden within a grid of jumbled letters.

This article provides assistance, ranging from general hints to complete spoilers.

The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #297 (December 25, 2024)

The puzzle's clue is A Visit From Santa. Nine words are to be found.

New York Times Games Strands Clues

The following sections each contain a single, progressively revealing hint:

General Hint 1

Hint 1: What might Santa bring?

[Read More - Hint 1: Consider typical Christmas gifts.]

General Hint 2

Hint 2: Small gifts.

[Read More - Hint 2: Think of small items often found in stockings.]

General Hint 3

Hint 3: Small gifts to fill your sock-like decorations.

[Read More - Hint 3: The theme centers around items that fit inside Christmas stockings.]

Spoilers for Two Words

These sections reveal two words and their locations within the grid:

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Candy

[Read More - Spoiler 1: Shows the placement of "Candy" in the puzzle grid.]

Spoiler 2

Word 2: Toys

[Read More - Spoiler 2: Shows the placement of "Toys" in the puzzle grid.]

Complete Solution

This section reveals all themed words and their positions:

The category is Stocking. The words are Toys, Plushie, Orange, Socks, Scarf, Coal, Candy, and Pens.

[Read More - Complete Solution: Displays all words and their locations within the puzzle grid.]

Puzzle Explanation

This section explains the puzzle's theme:

The clue "A Visit from Santa" alludes to Christmas gifts, specifically those small enough to fit in a Stocking. All themed words represent typical stocking stuffers.

[Read More - Explanation: Elaborates on the connection between the clue and the theme.]

Play Strands on the New York Times Games website, accessible on most devices with a browser.