Issue #298 Thu 26 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 26, 2024
The calendar pages turn and schedules align. A patient grid awaits those who prefer their wordplay with a side of logic.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Folding chairs arranged in a circle, the smell of lukewarm coffee, and the name tag you were forced to wear.
Social gatherings and communal events.
GATHERING OF EXTENDED KIN
Spangram 4 hints · 7 letters
The connector word
A single seven-letter noun.
7 letters.
Starts with R, ends with N.
REUNION
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (4 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 G (10 letters)
- 4 I (5 letters)
- 5 N (6 letters)
- 6 N (5 letters)
- 7 U (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AU (4 letters)
- 2 CO (6 letters)
- 3 GR (10 letters)
- 4 IN (5 letters)
- 5 NE (6 letters)
- 6 NI (5 letters)
- 7 UN (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
Your mother's sister, often the one bringing the secret recipe to every holiday dinner.
4 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AU.
AUNT
Theme word 2 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The child of your parent's sibling, who shared your summers growing up.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COUSIN
Theme word 3 of 7 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
The youngest generation at the table, eagerly awaiting their turn to open the gifts.
10 letters.
Starts with G.
Starts with GR.
GRANDCHILD
Theme word 4 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The person who joined the family tree through marriage rather than biology.
5 letters.
Starts with I.
Starts with IN.
INLAW
Theme word 5 of 7 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
The son of your sibling, likely the one running through the house with muddy shoes.
6 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NE.
NEPHEW
Theme word 6 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
The daughter of your brother or sister, whom you watch grow up from across the country.
5 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NI.
NIECE
Theme word 7 of 7 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
Your father's brother, who usually has a loud laugh and a bad joke ready to go.
5 letters.
Starts with U.
Starts with UN.
UNCLE
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
- AUNT
- COUSIN
- GRANDCHILD
- INLAW
- NEPHEW
- NIECE
- UNCLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 26, 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 26, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 26, 2024?
NYT Strands on December 26, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 7 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the December 26, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 7 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "R" — 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 26, 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 7 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 7-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 7 theme words · 7-letter spangram