Issue #297 Wed 25 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 25, 2024
The annual ritual of expectation brings its own quiet focus. A patient grid for a holiday morning.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The mantelpiece sagged under the weight of wool and anticipation.
Holiday household traditions
VESSEL FOR SEASONAL SURPRISES
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
Single word noun
8 letters.
Starts with S, ends with G.
STOCKING
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (5 letters)
- 2 C (4 letters)
- 3 O (6 letters)
- 4 P (4 letters)
- 5 P (7 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 S (5 letters)
- 8 T (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CA (5 letters)
- 2 CO (4 letters)
- 3 OR (6 letters)
- 4 PE (4 letters)
- 5 PL (7 letters)
- 6 SC (5 letters)
- 7 SO (5 letters)
- 8 TO (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A sugar-spun treat pulled from a crinkly wrapper.
5 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CANDY
Theme word 2 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
The dark, crumbly reward for a year of questionable behavior.
4 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COAL
Theme word 3 of 8 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A bright, citrus snack tucked into the very toe.
6 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with OR.
ORANGE
Theme word 4 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Click them open to jot down a grocery list or a note.
4 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PENS
Theme word 5 of 8 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A soft, fuzzy companion that fits right in your palm.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLUSHIE
Theme word 6 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Wrap it around your neck before stepping out into the chill.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SC.
SCARF
Theme word 7 of 8 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Something you pull up to your knees on a drafty morning.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SOCKS
Theme word 8 of 8 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Small, plastic objects that take over the living room floor.
4 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TO.
TOYS
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- CANDY
- COAL
- ORANGE
- PENS
- PLUSHIE
- SCARF
- SOCKS
- TOYS
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 25, 2024. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for December 25, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 25, 2024?
NYT Strands on December 25, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 8 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the December 25, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "S" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on December 25, 2024?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 8 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 8 theme words · 8-letter spangram