At a Glance
- Dec 25 holiday theme puzzle in NYT Strands
- Spangram: CHRISTMAS DAYS
- Theme: Carolers count with clue Five golden rings
- Why it matters: Puzzle enthusiasts enjoy a festive challenge and new word-hunt clues.
NYT Strands offers a holiday-themed word-hunt puzzle for Dec 25 that invites players to count carolers and solve a spangram. The puzzle’s theme, “Carolers count,” is hinted by the classic line “Five golden rings.” Players can unlock clues by finding words such as RIMS, HIMS, and CHIME.
Puzzle Overview
The puzzle contains six non-spangram answers: LORDS, MAIDS, SWANS, LADIES, PIPERS, and DRUMMER. These words are scattered throughout the grid and must be found before the spangram is revealed.
Clues and Unlocks
- Find any four-letter or longer word to trigger a hint.
- After three such words, the theme word appears.
- Sample unlock words: RIMS, HIMS, MARS, CHIME, CHIMES, MADS, DATE, DIAL, WAIL.
Spangram Highlight
The spangram for Dec 25 is CHRISTMAS DAYS. It stretches from the far-left row, starting three letters down, and winds across the grid. Solving it completes the puzzle and uses every letter on the board.
Toughest Puzzles List
| Puzzle | Date | Toughest Word |
|---|---|---|
| Dated slang | Jan. 21 | PHAT |
| Thar she blows! | Jan. 15 | BALEEN or RIGHT |
| Off the hook | Jan. 9 | BIGEYE or SKIPJACK |
These puzzles were among the most challenging in recent weeks, with varied themes from slang to marine life.
Key Takeaways
- The Dec 25 Strands puzzle centers on a holiday theme and a spangram that spans the grid.
- Players unlock clues by finding four-letter words, with examples like CHIME and RIMS.
- The spangram CHRISTMAS DAYS is the final piece that uses all letters.
Whether you’re a seasoned solver or new to NYT Strands, the holiday puzzle offers fresh words and a festive challenge.
