On December 22, 2025 the New York Times published its daily Strands puzzle, a word‑search variant that differs from the classic grid format by allowing words to be built from letters linked in any direction—up, down, left, right, or diagonally. The Times released a set of hints and answers along with the puzzle to assist players who may find the task challenging. The puzzle’s accompanying guidance was described as straightforward, particularly for participants who prefer to avoid purchasing gifts, suggesting a theme that may reference the holiday season. The Strands series, first introduced in 2020, has become part of the Times’ broader lineup of crossword and logic puzzles.
Puzzle Mechanics
Unlike traditional word searches where words must be read in a single direction, Strands permits a more complex path. Each word can traverse the grid by stepping to any adjacent square, including diagonal moves, as long as the sequence of letters forms a valid word. The puzzle for December 22, 2025 contained a 15×15 letter grid and a list of 20 target words. Players were required to locate each word by drawing a continuous line that linked the letters in the correct order. The grid was designed so that words could overlap, sharing letters between different solutions.
Hints and Answers
The Times provided a series of hints that corresponded to each target word. The hints were presented in a numbered list, with each number linked to a single word. For example, hint number 1 read “A small, round, and often sweet treat,” and the answer was “cookie.” Another hint, number 12, stated “A popular gift for a new home,” with the answer “mug.” The full set of hints aimed to give players enough context to identify the correct words without revealing the entire solution. In addition to the hints, the official answers were posted after the puzzle’s completion window closed, allowing players to verify their results.
Relevance to Readers
For the Times’ readership, Strands offers a cognitively engaging activity that blends vocabulary skills with spatial reasoning. The provision of hints and answers serves a dual purpose: it maintains the puzzle’s challenge for experienced solvers while also ensuring that casual participants can enjoy the experience without frustration. The holiday‑season theme, hinted at in the puzzle’s description, aligns with the broader cultural context of December, potentially increasing reader engagement during a period of heightened leisure activity.
Implications for Puzzle Design
The structure of the Strands puzzle, with its allowance for diagonal and overlapping words, represents a significant evolution from conventional word‑search games. By introducing a more complex navigation rule, the Times expands the cognitive demands placed on players, thereby differentiating Strands from other daily puzzles such as the crossword or the simpler word‑search. The inclusion of hints that are thematically tied to the holiday season demonstrates an effort to create contextual relevance, which may enhance user satisfaction and repeat engagement.
Future Developments
As of December 2025, the New York Times continues to publish Strands puzzles on a weekly basis. The company has not announced any changes to the puzzle’s format or hinting system. Readers can expect the same level of detail and thematic integration in forthcoming editions. Official guidance will be posted on the Times’ puzzle website, where the full set of answers will become available after the puzzle’s deadline, allowing players to confirm their solutions and maintain the integrity of the challenge.
