The holiday season is in full swing! With Christmas just around the corner, the New York Times has treated us to another festive edition of its popular puzzle game, Strands. If your holiday preparations are nearly complete and you’re ready for some brain-teasing fun, today’s puzzle offers a perfect seasonal challenge. Packed with Christmas vibes, it’s a delightful way to wind down before Santa’s sleigh makes its grand entrance.

In this blog post, we’ll uncover today’s hints, explore the theme, and reveal the answers to the puzzle—including the Spangram. If you’re ready to dive into the world of wordplay, keep reading for all the details!

What is NYT Strands?

NYT Strands is the New York Times’ exciting twist on classic word games. It offers daily puzzles that challenge players to uncover words within a grid, all centered around a specific theme. The goal? Find all the words and identify the Spangram, a special word that stretches across the grid and encapsulates the day’s theme.

This word game is not just entertaining but also helps sharpen your vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills. Each day brings a new challenge, and today’s puzzle is no exception.

Today’s Theme: Pass the Eggnog

December 23rd’s theme, “Pass the Eggnog,” immediately sets a festive tone. The words in this puzzle revolve around holiday flavors and treats, making it a perfect nod to the season. If you’re a fan of Christmas desserts and drinks, this puzzle will feel both familiar and fun.

Hints for December 23rd Strands Puzzle

Here are some hints to help you navigate today’s challenge:

1. Hint #1: Think about flavors that excite your taste buds during the holiday season.

2. Hint #2: Focus on long, compound words. Break them down into smaller components to uncover the complete terms.

If you’re still stumped, here’s an extra nudge: look for words that start with these letters:

• GI
• CR
• PE
• CO
• HO

Take your time exploring the grid and combining letters to form words.

—

Spangram for December 23rd

The Spangram is the highlight of every Strands puzzle. It’s a word that uses all the letters provided and connects two sides of the grid.

Today’s Spangram is: HOLIDAYFLAVOR.

This word perfectly captures the essence of the theme, tying together the rich and diverse flavors of the holiday season.

Answers to Today’s Puzzle

For those who couldn’t crack the puzzle or want to confirm their guesses, here’s the full list of words for December 23rd’s Strands challenge:

1. GINGERBREAD

2. CRANBERRY

3. PEPPERMINT

4. COCOA

These words highlight classic holiday flavors and treats that bring joy to countless celebrations.

Puzzle Breakdown and Strategy

Today’s puzzle offered a unique twist with its longer-than-usual words. While the Spangram, HOLIDAYFLAVOR, was easy to spot at the top, piecing together the entire grid required some effort. For example, many players might find smaller segments like BREAD before realizing it’s part of GINGERBREAD.

Once key words like CRANBERRY and PEPPERMINT were identified, completing the grid became significantly easier. Despite the challenge of longer words, the relatively small total word count made today’s puzzle a manageable and satisfying experience.

Why Play NYT Strands?

Playing Strands is not just about solving puzzles—it’s about improving your vocabulary, exercising your mind, and enjoying a moment of daily focus. The themed puzzles make each day feel fresh and engaging, while the Spangram adds an extra layer of complexity.

Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or a casual player, NYT Strands is a fantastic way to relax and unwind while keeping your brain sharp.

Conclusion

December 23rd’s NYT Strands puzzle is a festive treat for word lovers. With its holiday-themed words and satisfying Spangram, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. From GINGERBREAD to PEPPERMINT, today’s puzzle celebrates the flavors that make this season so special.

How did you fare with today’s challenge? Were you able to spot the Spangram quickly, or did it take some extra effort?

Stay tuned for more daily updates, hints, and answers to the NYT Strands puzzles. Happy solving, and enjoy the holiday cheer!