Hints and Answers for Dec. 24 NYT Crossword Puzzle

Solve the Christmas Eve Strands puzzle with this helpful guide! Unsure if today's puzzle is holiday-themed? This guide provides spoiler-free hints, individual word solutions (if you need them), a theme explanation, and the complete answer if you're truly stumped.

NYT Games Strands Puzzle #296 (December 24, 2024)

Today's Strands puzzle clue is Who on Earth...? Seven words are to be found: six themed words and a pangram.

New York Times Games Strands Hints

Need a nudge without spoilers? These hints point you towards the theme:

General Hint 1

Hint 1: Earthly inhabitants.

read more### General Hint 2

Hint 2: Common given names.

read more### General Hint 3

Hint 3: Names found in nature.

read morePartial Solutions (Word Spoilers)

Stuck on a specific word? These sections offer individual solutions with placement screenshots. Only open if you want targeted help.

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Brook

read more### Spoiler 2

Word 2: Willow

read moreComplete Solution

Ready for the full answer? This section reveals all themed words, the pangram, and their grid positions.

The theme is Nature Names. The words are Holly, Willow, Brook, Laurel, River, Clementine.

read moreTheme Explanation

Still puzzled? This section breaks down the clue, theme, and word connections.

The themed words are all names that also describe natural elements (e.g., River). The clue, "Who on Earth...?" refers to these earth-related names.

read morePlay Strands on the New York Times Games website – accessible on most devices.